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Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Grammar: used to/be used to/get used to ... Problems???

We use used to + infinitive to refer to past habits or states. In such cases, used to can be replaced by the past simple with no difference in meaning. e.g. He used to go out/He went out a lot when he was younger. Would expresses past actions and routine. We never use would for states!!! e.g. Grandma would always make me porridge for breakfast. (also: used to make) When I was young I used to live in Leeds. (Not: would !!!)

Look at the following examples of how we can use be/get used to:

be/get used to +  noun/pronoun/-ing form

e.g.  

  • They are used to hot weather. - present
  • I'm used to getting up early. -present
  • She wasn't used to working at night. -past
  • Mary is getting used to life in the city. -present
  • Simon had never lived in a tropical country before, but he quickly got used to it. -past
  • They will soon get used to cooking their own meals. -future

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