Word
be used to
Definition
fixed phrase. to be familiar with something because you have experienced it many times before. It means that something is no longer strange or difficult for you.
fixed phrase. to be accustomed to a state or activity through previous experience. This construction functions as a stative predicate where 'used' is an adjective followed by the preposition 'to', which requires a noun or gerund object.
Examples
“I am used to the cold weather here.”
“After living in the city for five years, she is used to the constant noise of traffic at night.”
“The surgical team is used to working under extreme pressure for twelve-hour shifts without losing focus.”
Examples
simple
“I am used to the cold weather here.”
contextual
“After living in the city for five years, she is used to the constant noise of traffic at night.”
complex
“The surgical team is used to working under extreme pressure for twelve-hour shifts without losing focus.”
Usage
always followed by a noun or a verb ending in -ing, never the base form of a verb.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'used to + infinitive' (past habits); emphasize that 'be used to' describes a current state of familiarity and requires the -ing form for actions.
Pitfall
I am used to wake up early.
I am used to waking up early.
the word 'to' is a preposition here, so it must be followed by a gerund (-ing) rather than an infinitive.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/be-used-to