Used to do and be used to

I used to walk on the beach. I was used to seeing black swans on the lake.

Reader’s question: What is the rule for distinguishing between ‘used to do’ and ‘be used to’?

Answer: ‘Used to do’ means something that you did in the past, possibly on a regular basis, and no longer do.

I used to knit when my children were little.

‘Be used to’ means to be or become familiar with.

You will be used to eating chillies soon.
I was used to seeing black swans on the lake and then one day they vanished.

We sometimes replace ‘be’ with ‘get’.

I am getting used to your company.

Improve your grammar skills with my online course: Grammar, Punctuation and Usage.

Subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter to receive writing and grammar tips.