She used to hate veggies.
She is used to eating them now.
He isn't used to running.
Wonder Woman was used to running.
The doctor is used to wearing a mask.
He used to use his cellphone in class.
Let's compare a couple examples.
1. I used to surf when I was in high school.
2. I was scared of the big waves at first, but now
I am used to them.
In example 1, the absence of any form of BE indicates that used to is telling us about a habit in the past. The speaker does not surf anymore.
In example 2, the presence of BE indicates that the speaker is comfortable with a certain situation or activity.
Let's look at some examples of both used to and be used to below.
She used to hate veggies. She is used to eating them now. He isn't used to running. Wonder Woman was used to running. The doctor is used to wearing a mask. He used to use his cellphone in class.
Grammar Notes: Be makes all the difference!
The negative forms for the sentences above are:
1. I didn't use to surf when I was in high school.
(No double past!)
2. I am not used to hearing grandma say crazy things.
A special note: The modal would can be used
in a very similar way to how we use used to to talk of the past.
Look at the following examples.
1. I used to go to the beach often when I lived in Santa Monica.
2. I would go to the beach often when I lived in Santa Monica.
More grammar notes: The focus can be shifted to the process
by using the verb GET instead of the verb BE.
Review the following examples:
1. It's difficult to do now, but you will get used to it.
2. It was difficult in the beginning, but I got used to it.
3. It is still difficult, but I am getting used to it.
Listen to the audio for an explanation of what these sentences mean.
CHECK-UP
Look over the following sentences carefully and determine if they demonstrate correct usage or not.
1. Luiza used to speaking Portuguese to Gabriela.
2. Kassandra was used to speaking Spanish to us.
3. Trump is used to telling lies.
4. Ersin use to cook delicious Turkish food for us.
5. Betul didn't used to say she was smarter than Emir.
6. Didn't Diego used to dream about Latinas in class?
7. Bence got used to Len's jokes.
8. Lauriane used to eat Subway sandwiches for lunch.
Question 1: The correct answer is b.
Question 2: The correct answer is a.
Question 3: The correct answer is a.
Question 4: The correct answer is b.
Question 5: The correct answer is b.
Question 6: The correct answer is b.
Question 7: The correct answer is a.
Question 8: The correct answer is a.
You answered them all right!
