Grammar Guide: “Used to” vs. “Be Used To” – What’s the Difference?

English learners often confuse “used to + verb” with “be used to + noun/verb-ing.” While they look similar, they have very different meanings. Let’s break them down with examples and practice!

Used to + Verb

What does the term “Used To” mean ?:  Something that was true or happened regularly in the past but no longer does.

Structure:
used to + base verb

Examples:

  • I used to live in New York. (I don’t live there now.)

  • She used to play the piano. (She doesn’t anymore.)

  • We used to go camping every summer. (We don’t now.)

Tip: Only use this form to talk about the past.

Verb Be (Am, Is &Are) + Used to + Noun / Verb-ing

Meaning: It is an way to say you are familiar with something; it’s not new or strange to you.

Structure:
verb be (am, is & are) + used to + noun / verb-ing

Examples:

  • I am used to cold weather. (Cold weather is normal for me.)

  • He is used to waking up early. (It’s part of his routine.)

  • They were used to the noise. (They had adapted to it.)

Tip: You can use this form in the past, present, or future:

  • I was used to spicy food.

  • I am used to spicy food.

  • I will be used to spicy food soon.

Comparison

Expression
Meaning

Example
Used to + verb Past habit or state (no longer true) I used to eat meat. (Now I don’t.)
Be used to + noun/verb-ing Familiar or comfortable with something I am used to eating vegetables. (It’s normal for me.)

Practice Time : How to use “used to” in English

Fill in the blanks with the correct form:

  1. I __________ (live) in Paris, but now I live in Rome.

  2. She is __________ (drive) long distances.

  3. We __________ (go) to that beach every year.

  4. He isn’t __________ (work) night shifts yet.

  5. They __________ (have) a dog when they were kids.

Answers:

  1. used to live

  2. used to driving

  3. used to go

  4. used to working

  5. used to have

Quick Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

  • A. I am used to eat late at night.

  • B. I used to eat late at night.

  • C. I used to eating late at night.

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: “Used to + verb” is correct to describe a past habit, as written in sentence B.  A should make use of the “ing” form of the verb eat “used to eating,” and sentence C mixes the forms incorrectly.

Final Tip

If you’re ever confused, check what you’re talking about:

  • Past habit? → Use “used to + verb”

  • Comfort/familiarity? → Use “be used to + noun/verb-ing”