Used to, Be Used to or Get Used to? — That’s the question
If you work in an international environment or communicate with foreign colleagues and business partners, you've probably come across three very similar expressions – used to, be used to, and get used to. Although they look and sound alike, they have completely different meanings. That's why many English learners find it difficult to choose the right one when expressing their ideas.
In this article, we'll explain the difference between these "triplets" and show you how to use them correctly not only in Business English but also in everyday communication.
Used to – a past habit or situation that no longer exists
The structure used to + infinitive is used to talk about habits or situations that were true in the past but are no longer true today.
- We used to have lower interest rates.
- She used to commute for over two hours a day.
- People used to shop mainly in physical stores.
- We used to process orders manually, but now everything is automated.
In Business English, this structure is commonly used when talking about market changes, technological developments, or the evolution of a company.
Be used to – to be accustomed to something
Unlike used to, this expression is not about the past. It means that someone is already familiar with or accustomed to something. It's important to remember that be used to is followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a V-ing.
- Clients are used to dealing with me. They trust me.
- Are you used to setting the new security system yet?
- My PA isn't used to working with the new software yet.
Get used to — to become accustomed to something
While be used to describes an existing habit or state, get used to focuses on the process of becoming familiar with something new.
Just like be used to, it is followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (V-ing).
- It took me weeks to get used to wearing a uniform at work.
- It took me several weeks to get used to the company's reporting system.
- I'm slowly getting used to doing business in China.
This expression is especially common when talking about new responsibilities, learning to use new technologies, or adapting to changes in the workplace.
All three expressions are widely used not only in Business English but also in everyday conversations. That's why it's worth practising them regularly. The more often you use them in real-life situations, the more natural they'll become.
At Bubbles English Center, we help our students master grammar structures like these through real business case studies, practical activities, and live communication in English.
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