Be Used To vs. Get Used To
“Be used to” describes the state of being accustomed to something. “Get used to” describes the process of becoming accustomed to it.
Use “be used to” for an existing state of familiarity. Use “get used to” for the process of becoming familiar or comfortable with something.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| an existing state of familiarity or adaptation | be used to + noun / -ing | use “be used to” for the state |
| the process of becoming familiar or adapted | get used to + noun / -ing | use “get used to” for the change into that state |
Quick tests
State-or-process test
Is the person already accustomed to it, or becoming accustomed to it?
If yes: Use “be used to.”
If no: Use “get used to.”
Caveat: Here “to” is part of the prepositional construction, so an -ing form can follow it. Do not confuse this with “used to + base verb” for a past habit.
Examples
I am used to working early.
This describes an existing state of familiarity.
I am getting used to working early.
This describes the process of adapting.
She used to work nights, but now she is used to mornings.
The first “used to” marks a past habit; the second marks familiarity.
Further guidance
Change Pattern
Get used to describes becoming accustomed over time; both expressions can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing form.
State Pattern
Be used to describes already being accustomed to a situation or activity.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Used to (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Used to for past habits/states no longer true, plus be used to and get used to for being/becoming accustomed