accustomed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accustomed to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express the idea of having become familiar with a certain situation due to long-term exposure. For example, "He was accustomed to the long working hours at his company".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's accustomed to that.

The New Yorker

We're accustomed to unreliable cellphones.

The New York Times

CANADIANS are accustomed to immigrants.

The Economist

I've grown accustomed to it.

The New York Times - Sports

Ogdensburg is accustomed to defeat.

The New York Times

They are accustomed to disappointment.

The New York Times

Rosenberg was accustomed to privilege.

The New Yorker

He is accustomed to situations.

The New Yorker

Lang is accustomed to being surprising.

The New Yorker

GERMANY is accustomed to hung parliaments.

The Economist

I've grown accustomed to its space".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a shift from unfamiliarity to familiarity, use "accustomed to" to highlight the process of getting used to something over time.

Common error

Avoid using "accustomed to" when describing a reaction to a single, sudden event. This phrase implies a process of gradual familiarization, not an immediate response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accustomed to" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being familiar or habituated to something. It indicates a process of adaptation or getting used to a particular situation, environment, or condition. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "accustomed to" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to express familiarity or habituation with something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in neutral contexts such as news and media. While alternatives like "used to" and "familiar with" exist, "accustomed to" specifically emphasizes the process of adaptation over time. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure that it accurately reflects a gradual process of becoming familiar, rather than a sudden reaction to a singular event. The phrase is found across various authoritative sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Used to

This alternative indicates a past habit or familiarity, similar to "accustomed to", but without the implication of gradual adaptation.

Familiar with

This alternative suggests knowledge or recognition of something, rather than a state of being adapted to it.

Adapted to

This alternative focuses on the process of adjustment, emphasizing the change rather than the resulting state of familiarity.

Inured to

This alternative implies a desensitization to something unpleasant through repeated exposure.

At ease with

This alternative suggests a feeling of comfort and confidence in a particular situation or environment.

Comfortable with

This alternative implies a sense of ease and acceptance towards something, often involving personal preferences or boundaries.

Habituated to

This alternative describes the process of forming a habit or becoming used to something through regular repetition.

Grown used to

This alternative highlights the gradual process of becoming familiar with something over time.

No stranger to

This alternative emphasizes prior experience with something, suggesting familiarity but not necessarily adaptation.

Conversant with

This alternative suggests a knowledgeable familiarity with a subject or topic.

FAQs

How can I use "accustomed to" in a sentence?

Use "accustomed to" to describe a state of being familiar with something due to repeated exposure or experience. For example, "She is "accustomed to the noise"".

What's the difference between "used to" and "accustomed to"?

"Used to" describes a past habit or state that is no longer true, while "accustomed to" describes a current state of being familiar with something. For instance, "I used to live here, but now I'm "accustomed to living elsewhere"".

What are some alternatives to "accustomed to"?

You can use alternatives like "familiar with", "comfortable with", or "inured to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am accustom to" instead of "I am accustomed to"?

No, "I am accustom to" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I am "accustomed to"", where "accustomed" is the past participle of the verb "accustom" used as an adjective.