Past Habits with 'Used to + infinitive'
Shows discontinued past habits or states. Structure: used to + base verb
Example: I used to live in Paris. (but I don't anymore)
Example: I used to live in Paris. (but I don't anymore)
Present Familiarity with 'Be/Get used to + -ing'
Shows being accustomed to something. Structure: be/get used to + gerund/noun
Example: I am used to working late. (I'm accustomed to it now)
Example: I am used to working late. (I'm accustomed to it now)
Examples
I used to drink coffee every morning.Past habit that's no longer true
She's getting used to driving on the left side.Process of becoming accustomed to something
They are used to cold weather.Current state of being accustomed to something
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: I am used to drink coffee.
✅ Correct: I am used to drinking coffee.
Explanation: 'Be used to' must be followed by -ing form or noun
❌ Incorrect: I used to working late.
✅ Correct: I used to work late.
Explanation: 'Used to' for past habits must be followed by infinitive
Tips for Success
- Think 'past habit = used to + infinitive'
- Think 'familiar with = be used to + -ing'
- Get used to always means 'become accustomed to'
- Used to only works for past habits that have changed
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Past habit structures
- Present and progressive forms
- Gerund vs infinitive usage
- State verbs vs action verbs