Lesson Twenty-four

(be) used to

“(be) used to” indicates that someone has adapted to a new situation. The situation was difficult or strange or awkward in some way, but then everything was okay. You can also use the verb “get” in place of the verb “be” — get used to.

Tom is used to sleeping on the plane when he takes a long flight.

Notice that the verb “be” changes depending on the subject: I am used to…, You are used to…., He is used to…, We are used to….

man sleeping on the plane

Fernando is used to his new skateboard.

After “be used to,” you can use a gerund or a noun. The example above uses a noun.

Fernando is used to riding on a skateboard.

This example uses a gerund after “be used to.”

skateboarder

He’s not used to being without his mother. That’s why he’s crying.

To make “be used to” negative, add “not” to the verb “be.”

sad baby
She’s used to meeting people who think she was born in another country just because she looks Asian. In fact, she was born in Los Angeles.
asian woman
He’s used to staying out all night. alley cat
He wasn’t used to people calling him “doctor” at first, but now he hears it every day.
doctor
She’s used to saying grace before she eats. kids

He’s getting used to working at a desk in a busy office. At first he hated it, but now it’s okay.

Note: You can use “get” in place of “be.”

office worker

He wasn’t used to being in prison at first, but he got used to it after living there for a few years.

This YouTube video show how to use “get” + “used to.”

prisoner
She’s very rich. She’s used to going to parties and having other people do work for her.
rich person
They’re used to living in a cold state like Minnesota. In fact, they love it! kids

Watch this video:

Now take this quiz on “be used to.”

Next: Lesson Twenty-five

Opposite Adjectives