Phrasal verb
get used to sth
Definition
phrasal verb. to become familiar with something so that it no longer feels strange or difficult. You use this when you are in the process of adapting to a new situation.
phrasal verb. to undergo a process of habituation or adaptation to a stimulus or environment. This structure functions as a dynamic phrasal verb where 'used to' acts as an adjectival complement followed by a prepositional 'to'.
Examples
“I am slowly getting used to the cold weather.”
“It took me a few months to get used to driving on the left side of the road.”
“The workforce struggled to get used to the rigorous new safety protocols implemented by the incoming management team.”
Examples
simple
“I am slowly getting used to the cold weather.”
contextual
“It took me a few months to get used to driving on the left side of the road.”
complex
“The workforce struggled to get used to the rigorous new safety protocols implemented by the incoming management team.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “get used to sth” in context.
Verb
01. help you get used to the software
“This short tutorial will help you get used to the new software.”
verb + noun + infinitive
02. must get used to the changes
“We must get used to the changes if we want the business to succeed.”
verb + verb
03. try to get used to the taste
“I am trying to get used to the taste of black coffee without sugar.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
04. finally get used to the noise
“After living by the airport for a year, I finally got used to the noise.”
adv + verb
05. quickly get used to the routine
“Children usually quickly get used to the routine of a new school.”
adv + verb
06. slowly get used to the cold
“It took a few weeks, but I slowly got used to the cold weather in Canada.”
adv + verb
Usage
The word 'to' is a preposition here, so it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).
Teaching tip
Contrast this with 'be used to' (the state of being accustomed) and 'used to' (past habits); emphasize that 'get' indicates the transition or process of change.
Pitfall
I am getting used to wake up early.
I am getting used to waking up early.
Because 'to' is a preposition in this phrase, you must use the -ing form of the verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
used to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
get + used + to + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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