Usually, used to, be used to, get used to — Explanation

Practice usually, used to, be used to, and get used to with B1 exercises. Improve grammar with gap-fill questions, clear explanations, and online practice test.

Usually, Used to, Be Used to, Get Used to Exercises

A lot of people who are learning English mix up usually, used to, be used to, and get used to because they look the same but mean and use different things. This guide will show you the differences between them, how to use them correctly, and give you clear examples that are good for B1 level learners.

Usually—Talking About What You Do Now

We use usually to talk about things that happen often right now. It is an adverb that shows how often something happens.

Structure

Subject + usually + verb

or

Subject + be + usually

Examples

• I usually wake up at 7 a.m.
• She usually drinks coffee in the morning.
• We usually go out on Fridays.
• He is usually very friendly.

When do we use it?

Use "usually" for habits and routines that are still true.

Correct:

• I usually work from home.

Incorrect:

• I usually worked from home in 2010. (Use used to instead)

Used to: Talking about things that used to happen or things that used to be true

When we say "used to," we mean things that were true in the past but aren't true now.

Structure

Subject + used to + base verb

Examples

• I used to live in London. (Now I live somewhere else.)
• She used to play tennis. (Now she doesn’t play.)
• We used to be friends. (Now we are not friends.)
• He used to smoke. (Now he doesn’t smoke.)

Important meaning

Used to shows a difference between the past and now.

Past: I used to drink coffee.
Now: I drink tea.

Be Used to: To Be Okay With Something

We say that something is familiar and normal for us when we say "be used to." It's fine with us.

Structure

Subject + be + used to + noun / verb + ing

Examples

• I am used to cold weather.
• She is used to working late.
• They are used to the noise.
• He is used to waking up early.

Important

After used to, use:

• noun → used to the noise
• verb + ing → used to working

Not correct:

• I am used to work late.
  Correct:
• I am used to working late.

Get Used to: Getting Used to Something

We say "get used to" when we mean the process of getting used to something new.

Structure

Subject + get used to + noun / verb + ing

Examples

• I am getting used to my new job.
• She got used to living alone.
• They will get used to the new system.
• He is getting used to waking up early.

Difference between be used to and get used to

Be used to → already comfortable
Get used to → becoming comfortable

Examples:

• I am used to remote work. (It is normal for me.)
• I am getting used to remote work. (It is new, but becoming normal.)