Be Used To – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever moved to a new city and, at first, the noise felt overwhelming—but after a few weeks, you didn’t even notice it anymore? In English, you can say, “I’m used to the noise now.” This helpful phrase describes something that once felt strange or difficult but now feels normal because you’ve experienced it enough. It’s about current comfort, not the past.
What Does “Be Used To” Mean?
“Be used to” means to be familiar with or accustomed to something in the present. It shows that something no longer feels new, hard, or surprising because you’ve experienced it regularly. Think of it like breaking in a new pair of shoes—they were tight at first, but now they feel just right.
When to Use It
Use “be used to” in casual or reflective conversations:
• When talking about adjustments: “I’m used to waking up early now.”
• When describing current comfort: “She’s used to working remotely.”
• In comparisons with the past: “He wasn’t used to the weather at first, but now he is.”
It’s common in speaking, writing, and everyday English. Remember: it’s about your present state—not what you did in the past (that’s “used to”).
Example Sentences
- I’m used to the cold after living in Canada for two years.
- Are you used to driving on the left side yet?
- They’re used to tight deadlines—they work in news!
- He wasn’t used to spicy food, but now he loves it.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Isn’t the traffic here crazy?”
Jamie: “It was at first—but I’m used to it now.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “be used to” with “used to” or “get used to.”
• “Used to” = past habit (no longer true): “I used to hate tea.”
• “Be used to” = present familiarity: “I’m used to tea now.”
• “Get used to” = the process of becoming familiar: “I’m getting used to the new schedule.”
Also, “be used to” is always followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb ending in -ing—never the base verb.
❌ Don’t say: “I’m used to wake up early.”
✅ Do say: “I’m used to waking up early.”
✅ Do say: “She’s used to the noise.”
Practice Tip
Think of something that felt strange when you first tried it—commuting, a new job, or even a food. Say: “I’m used to ______ now.” For example: “I’m used to taking the subway” or “She’s used to online classes.” This builds accurate, natural fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “be used to” to talk about your current comfort with life’s changes—with clarity and confidence. It’s a phrase full of real adaptation, used daily by native speakers adjusting to new routines, places, and experiences. Keep listening for it in conversations, shows, and travel stories. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people grow into their new normal. Keep going—you’ve got this!