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Grammar 2 Used to, would, be/get used to

1 Read about the uses of used to, would, be/get used to.
Used to Be/Get used to
We use used to + bare infinitive for actions that • We use be used to + gerund/noun to talk
we did regularly in the past, but that we don’t do about something that is usual or familiar.
now and for states that existed in the past, but that We are used to hearing strange sounds in
don’t exist now. the attic.
The archaeologist used to travel to fascinating • We use get used to + gerund/noun to talk
places when he was young. about the process of something becoming
Molly used to enjoy reading mystery novels, but familiar.
now she doesn’t. He is getting used to living near a cemetery.
He quite likes it now.
Would • Be and get change depending on the tense
We use would + bare infinitive only for actions that that is needed in the context.
we did regularly in the past, but that we don’t do now. Pam’s used to hearing her dog bark late at night.
The ghost would disappear as soon as anyone tried Kevin has never got used to staying in his
to take a picture of it. grandparents’ old house.

2 Read these sentences and match them to their meaning.

1 She is getting used to living alone. a She doesn’t live alone any more.
2 She is used to living alone. b It’s no longer strange or difficult for her.
3 She used to live alone. c It’s beginning to feel normal, easier, etc.
Read 2.3-2.5 of the Grammar Reference before you do the tasks.

3 Complete the sentences with the correct form of used to and the verbs in brackets. In which of the
sentences in 3 could you also use would?
1 They (go) to Stonehenge for the festival every summer.
2 As a child, I (dress up) on October 31st.
3 My uncle (write) crime stories when he was younger.
4 (you believe) in werewolves and vampires?
5 Tony and I (not like) reading about aliens, but now we do.
6 Sarah Winchester (sit) in the Blue Room every night.

4 The Smiths moved into an old castle. 5 Circle the correct answers.
They didn’t like it at first, but they 1 A: How is your son?
have got used to some things and are B: He’s fine. He used to / is getting used to university life.
getting used to others. Write sentences
about them in your notebook using the 2 A: Did Mr Bones use to / Is Mr Bones used to work in
correct form of be/get used to. that graveyard?
B: No, he worked in the one in my village.
1 live in the countryside (It’s starting to feel 3 A: Dina isn’t used to cooking / wouldn’t cook her own meals.
normal.) B: That’s because her mum always cooks for her.
2 own such a big building (It’s still strange.) 4 A: Fran looks different now.
3 hear bizarre sounds at night (It’s starting B: Yes. She would / used to wear glasses.
to feel normal.) 5 A: I’ve never used this computer program before.
4 see ghosts in the garden (It’s no longer B: Don’t worry; you’ll get used to / be used to it.
strange.) 6 A: Do you remember staying with Grandma when we
5 get a lot of curious visitors (It’s no longer were kids?
strange.) B: Yes, she got used to / would tell us spooky stories
at bedtime.

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