What is the difference between 'used to' and 'be used to'?

'Used to + infinitive' talks about a past habit or state that no longer exists: 'I used to play football.' 'Be used to + gerund/noun' means being accustomed to something: 'I am used to waking up early.' The key difference is the form that follows each expression.

Is it 'I am used to wake up' or 'I am used to waking up'?

The correct form is 'I am used to waking up early.' After 'be used to,' always use a gerund (-ing form) or a noun, not an infinitive.

What does 'get used to' mean?

'Get used to' means to gradually become accustomed to something: 'I am getting used to the cold weather.' It describes the process of becoming accustomed, while 'be used to' describes the state of already being accustomed.

Used to vs. Be Used to: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

Used to + infinitive = past habit or state (no longer true): "I used to smoke."
Be used to + gerund/noun = accustomed to something: "I am used to waking up early."
Get used to + gerund/noun = becoming accustomed: "I am getting used to the noise."

Explanation

USED TO + infinitive

Describes a past habit or state that no longer exists.

I used to play football. (now I don't)
She used to live in Paris. (now she doesn't)
We used to be friends. (now we aren't)

Pattern: used to + base verb (infinitive)

Negative: didn't use to / used not to

BE USED TO + gerund/noun

Describes being accustomed to something (present state).

I am used to waking up early.
She is used to the cold weather.
They are used to working long hours.

Pattern: be used to + -ing verb OR noun

Get used to = becoming accustomed (process)

The Three Patterns Side by Side

used to + infinitive (past habit): "I used to eat meat." (I don't anymore.)

be used to + gerund (already accustomed): "I am used to eating late." (It's normal for me.)

get used to + gerund (becoming accustomed): "I'm getting used to eating late." (It's becoming normal.)

Examples

✔I used to play the piano. (past habit, I don't now)

✔I am used to playing the piano. (I'm accustomed to it)

✘I am used to play the piano. (wrong: use gerund, not infinitive after "be used to")

✔She used to be shy. (she isn't shy anymore)

✔She is used to speaking in public. (she's comfortable doing it)

✔He is getting used to driving on the left side of the road.

Common Mistake

Incorrect: I am used to wake up at 6 am.

Correct: I am used to waking up at 6 am.

After be used to and get used to, always use the gerund (-ing form), not the base infinitive.

Practice

Choose the correct form:

"When I was a child, I _____ (used to / was used to) eat a lot of sweets, but now I rarely do."