Question 1

How do I decide which "used to" structure to use?

Accepted Answer

Start with the time reference. If the sentence is about the past and something that no longer happens, you need "used to" or "would": "I used to take the bus" or "I would take the bus every day." If the sentence is about the present and current comfort, you need "be used to": "I am used to taking the bus." If the sentence is about an ongoing process of adaptation, you need "get used to": "I am getting used to taking the bus." Next, check the verb type: state verbs (be, have, know, like, live) can only use "used to" in the past — never "would." Finally, check the verb form: "used to" takes a base verb, while "be/get used to" takes an -ing form.

Question 2

What time clues help me choose the correct structure?

Accepted Answer

Past time clues include "when I was young," "in the old days," "before," "years ago," and "as a child" — these point to "used to" or "would." Present time clues include "now," "these days," "at the moment," and "currently" — these point to "be used to" (if the person is comfortable) or "get used to" (if they are still adapting). Process clues include "gradually," "slowly," "still," "yet," and "eventually" — these almost always signal "get used to." Completion clues include "already," "completely," and "finally" — these suggest "be used to" (the process is finished). Training yourself to spot these time markers first makes choosing the correct structure much quicker and more reliable in exams.

Question 3

Can "used to" and "be used to" appear in the same sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and combining them in one sentence is an excellent way to show the connection between past and present: "I used to hate the cold, but after living in Scotland for five years, I am used to it now." This sentence uses "used to" for the past state (hating the cold) and "be used to" for the current familiarity (it doesn't bother me now). Another example: "She didn't use to enjoy public speaking, but she is completely used to it after years of practice." Using both structures together demonstrates strong grammar control and is impressive in Cambridge B1 and B2 writing tasks. Make sure the time reference is clear for each structure — past for "used to" and present for "be used to."

Used To - Mixed Practice (Easy) Exercises

Quick Rule

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-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect

Reported Speech

Passive Voice

Past Simple