Question 1

How do I combine "used to" structures in complex sentences?

Accepted Answer

In complex sentences, each clause may need a different structure based on its time reference. A common pattern is past + present: "I used to struggle with public speaking, but now I am completely used to presenting to large groups." Another pattern is past + process: "She didn't use to enjoy cooking until she gradually got used to following recipes." When a sentence has two blanks, analyse each one independently — identify the time reference and verb type for each blank. At C1 level, you should also be able to combine "would" with other structures: "When we were children, we would play in the garden, and I got used to always being outdoors." This multi-structure fluency demonstrates advanced grammar control.

Question 2

What are the differences between "used to", "be used to", and "get used to" in formal writing?

Accepted Answer

In formal writing, "used to" (past habits) remains unchanged but becomes less common because writers often prefer past simple or past continuous for precision: "The company previously employed fifty staff" rather than "The company used to employ fifty staff." However, "be used to" and "get used to" are widely used in formal and professional contexts: "Our team is used to meeting tight deadlines" and "New recruits will need to get used to our compliance procedures." "Would" for past habits is mainly literary and appears in memoirs, narratives, and personal essays — it is rarely appropriate in business reports or academic papers. Choosing the right register for each structure shows sophisticated language awareness.

Question 3

How are "used to" structures tested in Cambridge C1 Advanced?

Accepted Answer

In Cambridge C1 Advanced, "used to" structures appear in several parts of the exam. In the Use of English (Part 4 — key word transformations), you might need to transform a sentence using "be used to" or "get used to": "The noise doesn't bother her any more" becomes "She is used to the noise." In Part 2 (open cloze), you fill gaps that test the difference between "used to," "be used to," and "would." In the Writing paper, using these structures accurately when describing past experiences demonstrates C1-level grammar. In Speaking, describing personal changes with "I used to... but now I am used to..." shows grammatical range. The key at C1 level is using them naturally and accurately under time pressure.

Used To - Mixed Practice (Advanced) Exercises

Quick Rule

All 20 questions

Continue Practising

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect

Reported Speech

Passive Voice

Past Simple