To Be Used To vs. Used To
What's the Difference?
"To be used to" and "used to" are both phrases that refer to being accustomed to something. However, "to be used to" is in the present tense and indicates that someone is currently becoming accustomed to a new situation or experience. On the other hand, "used to" is in the past tense and suggests that someone was once accustomed to a certain situation or experience, but no longer is. Both phrases convey a sense of familiarity and comfort with a particular circumstance, but they differ in their timing and context.
Comparison
| Attribute | To Be Used To | Used To |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Intended purpose or function | Past habitual action or state |
| Verb form | Infinitive + "be" + "used to" | Simple past form of verb |
| Usage | Describes a future or potential action or purpose | Describes a past habit or state that no longer exists |
Further Detail
Definition
Both "to be used to" and "used to" are phrases that are used to indicate familiarity or habituation with something. However, they are used in slightly different contexts and have different grammatical structures.
Usage of "To Be Used To"
The phrase "to be used to" is used when talking about becoming accustomed to something. It is often followed by a noun or a gerund. For example, "I am used to the cold weather in this city" or "She is used to working long hours."
It is important to note that "to be used to" is always followed by a noun or a gerund, and it is used to talk about things that are currently happening or ongoing.
Usage of "Used To"
The phrase "used to" is used to talk about past habits or states that are no longer true. It is often followed by a base verb. For example, "I used to play the piano when I was younger" or "She used to live in Paris."
Unlike "to be used to," "used to" is followed by a base verb and is used to talk about things that happened in the past but are no longer true in the present.
Formality
Both "to be used to" and "used to" are considered informal phrases in English. They are commonly used in spoken language and informal writing. However, "to be used to" may sound slightly more formal than "used to" because of its longer structure.
It is important to be aware of the level of formality required in different contexts when using these phrases. In formal writing, it is best to avoid using "to be used to" and "used to" and opt for more formal expressions.
Negation
When negating the phrases "to be used to" and "used to," the structure changes slightly. To negate "to be used to," you would say "not used to," as in "I am not used to spicy food." To negate "used to," you would say "did not use to," as in "I did not use to like broccoli."
It is important to pay attention to the correct negation structure when using these phrases to ensure clarity and accuracy in your communication.
Examples
- "To be used to": I am used to waking up early for work.
- "Used to": I used to play soccer every weekend when I was younger.
Conclusion
While both "to be used to" and "used to" are phrases used to indicate familiarity or habituation, they are used in different contexts and have different grammatical structures. "To be used to" is used to talk about becoming accustomed to something in the present, while "used to" is used to talk about past habits or states that are no longer true. It is important to pay attention to the correct usage and formality of these phrases to ensure clear and effective communication in English.
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