Few areas of English cause as much confusion as used to, would and be used to. They share words but belong to completely different grammar patterns. I used to smoke describes a past habit; We would go camping every summer describes a repeated past action; I'm used to the cold describes being familiar with something. This B2 guide makes the distinctions clear.
The single most important thing to grasp is the difference between two structures that look almost identical: used to + infinitive (a past habit) and be used to + -ing/noun (familiarity). They are not the same, and mixing them up is one of the most common advanced errors.
Used to + Infinitive
The structure used to + base verb describes a past habit or state that is no longer true. It tells us something was repeated or permanent in the past but has now stopped or changed.
Structure: subject + used to + base form of verb
- I used to play tennis every weekend. (but I don't now)
- She used to live in Paris. (a past state)
- We used to have a dog when I was young.
- He used to be very shy. (but he isn't anymore)
Used to works for both actions (things you did) and states (things that were true), such as used to like, used to know, used to believe.
Negatives and questions
In negatives and questions, used to behaves like a past-simple verb with did, and it becomes use to (no d):
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Affirmative | I used to smoke. |
| Negative | I didn't use to smoke. |
| Question | Did you use to smoke? |
| Negative (formal alt.) | I used not to smoke. / I never used to smoke. |
Spelling trap: After did/didn't, drop the final d: Did you use to live here? (not did you used to). The pronunciation is the same, so the mistake is easy to make in writing.
Would for Repeated Past Actions
Would can also describe repeated actions in the past, often in storytelling or nostalgic descriptions. It means roughly the same as used to for actions, but with one crucial limitation.
- Every summer, we would go to the seaside.
- My grandfather would tell us stories by the fire.
- On Sundays, she would bake bread for the whole family.
The crucial rule: would cannot be used for past states, only for repeated actions. You can say I used to live in Paris but not I would live in Paris. With state verbs like be, have, live, know, like, you must use used to.
| Meaning | used to | would |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated past actions | ✓ We used to go camping. |
✓ We would go camping. |
| Past states (be, have, live, know) | ✓ She used to be a nurse. |
✗ She would be a nurse. (wrong) |
| Needs a time reference? | No, works alone | Usually needs context (every day, on Sundays) |
Why it matters: Would for past habits usually needs a time expression or a clear past context to be understood, because would has other meanings (conditionals, polite requests). Used to is unambiguous and can open a sentence on its own.
Be Used To + -ing/Noun
This is the structure most often confused with the others. be used to + noun / -ing means “be familiar with” or “be accustomed to” something. Here used is an adjective meaning accustomed, and to is a preposition — so it is followed by a noun or the -ing form, never a base verb.
Structure: subject + be + used to + noun / -ing
- I am used to the noise. (noun)
- She is used to working nights. (-ing)
- We aren't used to such cold weather.
- Are you used to driving on the left?
Because it uses the verb be, this structure works in any tense: I was used to it (past), I am used to it (present), I will be used to it (future).
Get Used To + -ing/Noun
The closely related get used to + noun / -ing describes the process of becoming familiar with something. While be used to is a state (already familiar), get used to is the change toward that state.
- It took me a while to get used to the new system.
- You'll soon get used to living in a big city.
- I'm slowly getting used to the early starts.
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| be used to | already familiar (a state) | I am used to the heat. |
| get used to | becoming familiar (a process) | I am getting used to the heat. |
| used to (+ infinitive) | past habit, now finished | I used to find the heat unbearable. |
The Key Contrast: Infinitive vs -ing
The cleanest way to keep these apart is to ask: is there a form of “be” or “get” before “used to”?
- No “be/get” → past habit, followed by the infinitive: I used to swim here.
- With “be/get” → familiarity, followed by -ing or a noun: I am used to swimming here.
Compare these two sentences carefully:
- I used to drive to work. — I drove there in the past, but not now.
- I am used to driving to work. — Driving to work is normal for me; I'm accustomed to it.
Common Confusions
- Wrong: I used to working here. → Right: I used to work here (past habit) OR I am used to working here (familiarity).
- Wrong: Did you used to live here? → Right: Did you use to live here?
- Wrong: I would have a motorbike. (state) → Right: I used to have a motorbike.
- Wrong: I'm used to get up early. → Right: I'm used to getting up early.
Practice Exercises
Grammar Quiz
Choose used to, would or be used to in context.
Cloze Dropdown
Select the right structure and verb form for each gap.
Complete the Sentence
Type the infinitive or -ing form correctly after used to.
Matching Pairs
Match each sentence with its correct meaning.
Unjumble
Reorder words into correct sentences about past habits.
Flash Cards
Drill the difference between the three structures.
Talk About the Past with Confidence
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Frequently Asked Questions
Used to + infinitive describes a past habit or state that is no longer true: I used to play tennis (but I don't now); She used to live in Paris (a past state). It works for both repeated actions and permanent states, and it always refers to the past, telling us that something has since stopped or changed.Used to + infinitive describes a finished past habit: I used to drive to work (in the past). Be used to + -ing/noun means “be familiar with”: I am used to driving to work (it's normal for me). The test: if there is a form of be before used to, it means familiarity and takes -ing; if not, it is a past habit and takes the infinitive.Used to + infinitive exists only in the past. To talk about present habits, use the present simple, often with an adverb of frequency: I usually play tennis on Saturdays, not I use to play. However, be used to (familiarity) does work in the present: I am used to it. Be careful not to confuse the two.