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The structure "used to" is employed as a verb to indicate past habits, actions, or facts that are no longer relevant. While it shares similarities with modal verbs in how it modifies the main verb to convey meaning, "used to" is not classified as a modal verb in traditional grammar. Modal verbs such as "can," "may," and "must" express abilities, permissions, or obligations, whereas "used to" specifically references past habits or states that have ceased to be true in the present. Although it does not fit the traditional modal verb category, "used to" operates in a similar manner by modifying the main verb to convey information about past situations. Used to does not exist in the present tense. For present habits use: usually + present simple.
CONVERSATION Settling In
Navigating Change and Adaptation in a New City
Listen and practice.
Sarah, a recent college graduate, has just moved to a bustling city for a job opportunity. She grew up in a small town where life was slower-paced and more familiar. Now, she finds herself navigating the challenges of urban living, from the noisy streets to the fast-paced lifestyle. In this conversation with her longtime friend John, who is a native of the city, Sarah discusses her experiences, struggles, and hopes as she tries to adapt to her new environment. Their conversation highlights the ups and downs of adjusting to life in a new city and the support of friendship along the way.
Sarah: Hey John! How's it going?
John: Hey Sarah! I'm good, thanks. How about you? How's the new city treating you?
Sarah: Oh, it's been quite a change! I'm still trying to get used to the hustle and bustle of urban life. Everything is so different here compared to my quiet hometown.
John: Yeah, I can imagine. It must be quite an adjustment. What's been the biggest challenge so far?
Sarah: Well, I'm still trying to get used to the traffic. Back home, I could drive anywhere within minutes, but here, it takes ages to get anywhere during rush hour.
John: I see what you mean. It definitely takes time to adjust to the traffic patterns in a new city. Are there any other aspects of city life you're finding difficult to adapt to?
Sarah: Hmm, let me think. Oh yeah, the noise at night! It's so loud outside my apartment. I'm not used to all the sirens and honking keeping me up at night.
John: Yeah, city noise can be overwhelming at first. But you'll eventually get used to it. I remember when I first moved here, I had trouble sleeping too. Now, I barely even notice it.
Sarah: That's reassuring to hear. I hope I can get used to it soon. On a brighter note, I'm starting to be used to the diverse food options here. There's a new restaurant to try out on every corner!
John: Oh, for sure! The food scene here is amazing. It's one of the things I love most about this city. I'm glad you're starting to be used to it.
Sarah: Yeah, me too! It's nice to find some comfort in the midst of all this change.
John: Absolutely. Just give it some time, and you'll find yourself being used to everything this city has to offer.
Sarah: Thanks, John. I really appreciate your encouragement. It's good to know I have friends like you to help me through this transition.
John: Anytime, Sarah. You know I've been used to living here for years, so I'm more than happy to help you settle in.
In this conversation, Sarah and John naturally use "used to," "get used to," and "be used to" in various contexts to discuss Sarah's adjustment to her new city. Their dialogue illustrates the different meanings and usages of these expressions in everyday conversation.
GRAMMAR
▶ Used to + infinitive
Repeated actions in the past or past states that are no longer true.
When I was a child, I used to play in the yard.
I didn’t use to like veggies.
Did you use to play the piano?
▶ Get used to + noun/ing
Become accustomed to doing something
After living in NYC most of my life, I’m getting used to living in a small city.
I can’t get used to the air pollution.
Are you still getting used to speaking a foreign language?
▶ Be used to + noun/ing
Be accustomed to doing something
As first I found it difficult to speak in the local language, but now I’m used to it.
I’m not yet used to eating the local food.
Are you used to the local customs yet?
Practice
Choose the correct form of "used to," "get used to," or "be used to" to complete each sentence.
Sarah __________ live in the countryside before she moved to the city.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
It took me some time to __________ the new job's demands and schedule.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
John has __________ waking up early for work since he started his new job.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) been used to
When I was a child, I __________ climb trees in the backyard every day.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
She's slowly __________ the idea of living alone after years of having roommates.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
He's not __________ the cold weather yet; he still complains about it every day.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
The children are quickly __________ the routine of going to school every morning.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
Maria __________ play the piano when she was younger, but she hasn't played in years.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
Despite the noise, she's already __________ living in the city and doesn't want to leave.
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
Are you __________ the fact that we have to take the bus instead of driving?
a) used to
b) get used to
c) be used to
Check
a) used to
b) get used to
c) been used to
a) used to
b) getting used to
a) used to
b) getting used to
a) used to
c) used to
a) used to
Sarah used to live in the countryside before she moved to the city.
"Used to" is used to describe past habits or states that are no longer true in the present.
It took me some time to get used to the new job's demands and schedule.
"Get used to" indicates the process of becoming accustomed to something new or unfamiliar.
John has been used to waking up early for work since he started his new job.
"Been used to" indicates a state of familiarity or habituation to a particular situation, activity, or condition.
When I was a child, I used to climb trees in the backyard every day.
"Used to" is used to describe past habits or actions that were habitual or regular in the past but have since changed or ceased.
She's slowly getting used to the idea of living alone after years of having roommates.
"Getting used to" indicates the ongoing process of adaptation or acclimatization to a change or new circumstance.
He's not used to the cold weather yet; he still complains about it every day.
"Used to" is used to describe a lack of familiarity or adaptation to a particular situation.
The children are quickly getting used to the routine of going to school every morning.
"Getting used to" indicates the ongoing process of adaptation or acclimatization to a new routine or situation.
Maria used to play the piano when she was younger, but she hasn't played in years.
"Used to" is used to describe past habits or actions that were habitual or regular in the past but have since changed or ceased.
Despite the noise, she's already used to living in the city and doesn't want to leave.
"Used to" indicates a state of familiarity or habituation to a particular situation, activity, or condition.
Are you used to the fact that we have to take the bus instead of driving?
"Used to" is used to describe a state of familiarity or habituation to a particular situation, activity, or condition.
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