be used to vs. used to

Now back in 2010 I wrote a blog post about the meaning and the way to use the expression used to. Today I will be looking at the difference between be+used to and used to.

BE + USED TO

This is what we say when people have adjusted to a change in their lives.

It was tough when I started my new job at first but I am used to it now.

Are you used to living in Japan yet?

In many cases, be will be replaced with get:

Oh you think it's noisy here? You'll get used to it.
(You will adapt to it.)

I couldn't get used to the smell of stinky tofu when I was in Taiwan.(I couldn't adjust and accept the smell)

USED TO + verb

This simply means that before X was true and now it isn't

I used to play tennis. (now I don't)

She used to work at Panasonic. (now she doesn't)

My company used to make a pomegranate jam. (now it doesn't - it was discontinued)

Be very careful not to mix these two up!

Any questions?

Phil