Used to + base verb describes past habits and states that are no longer true: I used to live in a village. Would describes repeated past actions only. Be used to + -ing means familiar with something now, and get used to + -ing means becoming familiar with it.
Used to + base verb: past habits and states
Use used to + base verb for things that were true or regular in the past but are not true now. It works for actions and for states: I used to play football every weekend. We used to live in a flat near the sea. She used to be very shy.
The meaning always includes a contrast with the present: you do not do it now. If you still do it, use the present simple instead.
- I used to walk to school. · I do not walk now
- My city used to have a tram. · it does not have one now
Negatives and questions
In negatives and questions, use did and drop the d from used: Did you use to play an instrument? I did not use to like fish. This is the standard written form in British English.
Alternatively, you can avoid the problem by using the past simple with a time word: I never liked fish as a child. In speech you will sometimes hear didn't used to, but use didn't use to in writing.
Used to or would?
Would can describe repeated actions in the past: When I was a child, we would visit my grandmother every Sunday. But would cannot describe a state. You can say I used to have a dog, but not I would have a dog.
A good habit is to start with used to, then continue with would for the next actions: We used to spend every summer in the mountains. We would get up early and walk to the lake. This sounds natural in a Speaking Part 2 story about your childhood.
Be used to + -ing: being familiar with something
This is a different structure. Be used to means you are familiar with something, so it does not feel strange or difficult any more. The word to is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun or the -ing form: I am used to the cold weather. She is used to working at night.
It can be in any tense: I was not used to the food at first. I will be used to the schedule soon.
Get used to + -ing: becoming familiar
Get used to describes the process of becoming familiar: It took me a few months to get used to living abroad. You will get used to the noise. Like be used to, it is followed by a noun or the -ing form.
Compare the three structures in one story. I used to live in a quiet village (past habit). Now I live in London, and I am used to the traffic (familiar). At first it was difficult, but I got used to it (process).
Quick comparison
Ask yourself two questions. Does a base verb follow? Then it is used to for the past. Does an -ing form or a noun follow? Then it is be used to or get used to for familiarity.
- used to + base verb: I used to cycle to work.
- be used to + -ing: I am used to cycling in the rain.
- get used to + -ing: I am getting used to cycling in the rain.
No present form
One more useful point is time. Used to is only for the past, so there is no present form: you cannot say I use to live here when you mean now. If you want to talk about a present habit, use the present simple with an adverb such as usually. This small rule helps you avoid a common mistake, and it also helps you notice when a speaker is contrasting past and present, which is common in IELTS Listening and Reading texts about change.
Common mistakes
These errors appear often in IELTS Speaking:
- I am used to live alone. Say: I am used to living alone.
- I use to play tennis. Say: I used to play tennis. Past habits need the d.
- I used to going to the beach. Say: I used to go to the beach.
- When I was young, I would be shy. Say: I used to be shy, or I was shy. Would is not for states.
Who finds this hard?
- Chinese speakers: Chinese often uses a time word such as before to show a past habit. English needs a form: used to + base verb, or the past simple with a time word.
- Japanese speakers: Japanese has its own verb for being used to something (nareru), close to be used to + -ing. Keep it separate from used to + base verb for the past.
- Korean speakers: Korean expresses a past habit with a special ending. In English use used to + base verb, and use be used to + -ing for familiarity.
IELTS tip
Speaking Part 1 and Part 2 often ask about childhood, past hobbies and changes in your hometown, which are perfect for used to. Say I used to... once or twice, then follow with the past simple for details. Use I am used to... when you describe living or studying somewhere new.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between used to and be used to?
Used to + base verb is for a past habit or state that has ended. Be used to + -ing or a noun means you are familiar with something now.
Can I use would instead of used to?
Only for repeated actions. You cannot use would for states, so say I used to have a car, not I would have a car.
How do I make questions and negatives with used to?
Use did and drop the d: Did you use to smoke? I didn't use to like coffee.
Why is it used to living and not used to live?
In be used to and get used to, the word to is a preposition. Prepositions are followed by a noun or an -ing form.
Sources
- Swan, M. (2016). Practical English Usage, 4th edition. Oxford University Press.
- Carter, R. and McCarthy, M. (2006). Cambridge Grammar of English. Cambridge University Press.