Used to vs. be used to
USED TO
This phrase describes things that happened regularly in the past but don't happen now, or things that were true in the past but aren't true now. Here are a few examples to look at:
- things that used to happen but don't now
I played tennis every day for most of my life. Two years ago, I broke my leg, and I can't play tennis anymore.
I used to play tennis every day, but now I don't.
My family went to Florida for vacation every summer when I was young. Now we don't take family vacations together.
We used to go to Florida for vacation, but now we don't.
- things that used to be true but aren't any more
My sister had long hair when she was young. Now she wears her hair short.
My sister used to have long hair, but now she doesn't.
Bill Clinton was President of the United States from 1992-2000. He isn't President any more.
Bill Clinton used to be President of the United States, but isn't any more.
My father was a truck driver for forty years. Last year he retired.
He used to be a truck driver, but he isn't now.
USED TO DO only exists in the PAST. There isn't a PRESENT form. You can't say "I use to do”. To talk about the PRESENT, use the PRESENT SIMPLE (I DO).
For example: I used to live in Atlanta. (PAST)
I live in Atlanta. (PRESENT)
There used to be a cinema here. (PAST)
There is a cinema here. (PRESENT)
To make questions, the normal form is DID YOU USE TO?
Did you use to have longer hair?
You look familiar. Didn't you use to study at Harvard?
To make negatives, two forms are possible:
I didn't use to eat chocolate, but now I do.
OR
I used not to eat chocolate, but now I do.
BE USED TO
This phrase is totally different in meaning from USED TO DO!!!
BE USED TO describes a situation or action that is not new or strange, but which is normal, routine, or comfortable for the speaker.
You can BE USED TO SOMETHING:
When I first moved to Alaska, I thought the winters were so cold and unpleasant. But now, they don't bother me so much.
I am used to the winters in Alaska.
When I first moved into my flat near the train station, I thought all the noise was horrible. Now, I hardly notice it.
I am used to the noise.
You can also BE USED TO DOING SOMETHING:
When I first started my diet, I had trouble eating smaller portions. I was hungry all the time. Now, eating less feels normal to me.
I am used to eating smaller portions.
When I first started my new job, it was difficult to wake up so early. Now, I don't have any problems waking up early.
I am used to waking up early.
The negative form is I AM NOT USED TO:
My new car has manual transmission. In the past, all my cars had automatic transmission. I'm having trouble driving it because I am not used to driving with manual transmission.
I lived in California all my life. I just moved to Canada. It is so cold here! I'm uncomfortable because I'm not used to cold weather.
After BE USED TO you CANNOT USE INFINITIVES!!!
I am used to living alone. NOT I am used to live alone.
GET USED TO
In the same way that GET COLD means BECOME COLD in English, GET USED TO means BECOME USED TO, or START TO BE USED TO. So, GET USED TO is the process of moving from not being comfortable with something to being comfortable with it.
Having a new roommate can be difficult. People have different ideas about how things should be done. It can often take a long time to get used to having someone new in your flat.
I'm sorry you don't like the food in this country. Hopefully, after a few months, you will get used to it.
When I moved to England, I had horrible trouble driving on the left side of the road. But, after lots of practice, I got used to it. It hasn't been a problem for a long time.
Basics of word formation (1) – Adjectives
You can form new words using prefixes and suffixes.
EFFICIENT – INEFFICIENT (in + efficient)
USE – USELESS (use + less)
Prefixes
Common adjective prefixes have negative meaning: in, im, il, ir, un.
Check the following examples of adjectives formed by a prefix:
informal, invalid, incorrect
IL-
illogical, illegible, illegal
IR-
irrational, irrelevant, irresponsible
IM-
impossible, impatient, improbable
UN-
unfair, uncomfortable, unrealistic
Suffixes
Common adjective suffixes are: -ful, -less, -ous, -able, -al (-ical)
Check the following examples of adjectives formed by a suffix:
useful, wonderful, beautiful
-LESS
useless, endless, hopeless
-OUS
dangerous, nervous, humorous
-ABLE
fashionable, memorable, reasonable
-AL (-ICAL)
original, cultural, historical