used to vs be used to
used to for past habits; be used to (+ noun / -ing) for something familiar now.
A — Sample sentences
Notice jacket, jeans, smart, casual, tight, striped, and fashionable.
1) used to — past habit or past state (not now)
Subject + used to + infinitive. Negative: didn't use to.
- I used to wear a suit to work, but now I dress more casually.
- She didn't use to like tight jeans — she preferred loose trousers.
- They used to buy plain shirts, but now they love patterned clothes.
- He used to wear trainers everywhere; now he prefers smart boots.
2) be used to — familiar with something now
be used to + noun / pronoun / -ing. Negative: not be used to.
- I am used to wearing a jacket in cold weather.
- She is not used to high heels — she usually wears flat sandals.
- They are used to choosing smart clothes for formal events.
- He is getting used to his new striped uniform at work.
3) Contrasts
Past habit vs present familiarity — do not confuse them.
- I used to hate checked shirts, but now I am used to wearing them.
- She didn't use to follow fashion, but she is used to reading style blogs now.
- We used to wear the same jumper every winter when we were students.
- He is not used to casual Fridays — he still wears a tie.
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Quick reference
Try it: used to or be used to?
Choose the best form.
- I ___ wear a blouse to the office, but now I prefer a T-shirt.
(a) used to (b) am used to (c) use to - She ___ wearing high heels at parties now.
(a) used to (b) is used to (c) is using to - They ___ buy expensive jackets when they were students.
(a) didn't use to (b) aren't used to (c) don't use to - He ___ his new smart uniform after two weeks.
(a) used to (b) got used to (c) was used to
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 4 exercises; the other 3 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →