to be used to OR used to


Do not confuse be/get used to + gerund (= be/get accustomed to) with used to + base form of verb (for habits in the past).

Examples:

  • I'm used to taking the bus to work. (I'm accustomed to taking the bus. I've been travelling this way for years)
  • I'm getting used to taking the bus. (I'm becoming accustomed to taking the bus.)
  • I used to take the bus to work. (In the past I took the bus to work but I no longer take the bus - I have my own car now.)

a) Tina ______ (live) in England many years ago and so she _____ the rain.

b) Owen _____ to the freezing cold because he _____ (live) in Alaska.

c) People who come from New York ______ (take) the subway because otherwise they spend a lot of time in traffic jams.

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Answers:

a) Tina used to live in England many years ago and so she is used to the rain.

b) Owen is used to to the freezing cold because he used to in Alaska.

c) People who come from New York are used to taking the subway because otherwise they spend a lot of time in traffic jams.