am used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am used to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express familiarity or comfort with a situation or activity. Example: "I am used to waking up early for work every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am used to it.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am used to ultimatums.

The New Yorker

"I am used to boys.

The New York Times

I am used to that.

The Guardian

"I am used to it," he shrugged.

The Guardian

I am used to getting such letters.

The New York Times

"I am used to such things.

The New York Times

"I am used to respecting another's opinion.

The New York Times

"I am used to helping other people," Ms. Lauture said.

The New York Times

I am used to appointments: allergist, chiropractor, tutor.

The New Yorker

I am used to my children thinking only of themselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "am used to" when you want to convey that something no longer feels new or strange to you. For example, "I am used to the noise of the city" implies that you have become accustomed to it over time.

Common error

Avoid using "am used to" when you actually mean "am getting used to". The former indicates a completed adaptation, while the latter describes an ongoing process. For example, say "I am getting used to the new software" not "I am used to the new software" if you are still in the process of adapting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am used to" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating a state of being accustomed or familiar with something. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "am used to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express familiarity or adaptation to a situation or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is categorized as a verb phrase, and as the examples show, it commonly appears in News & Media. To avoid confusion, remember that "am used to" signifies a completed adaptation, whereas "am getting used to" suggests an ongoing process. Alternatives include "am accustomed to" and "am familiar with". By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately use the phrase in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

am accustomed to

Indicates a state of being familiar with something, similar to being used to it.

have grown accustomed to

Suggests a gradual process of becoming familiar or comfortable with something.

have become used to

Similar to 'have grown accustomed to', implying a change over time.

am comfortable with

Indicates a state of ease or acceptance regarding something.

am familiar with

Focuses on knowing or recognizing something well, rather than necessarily being comfortable with it.

have adapted to

Highlights the process of adjusting to new conditions or circumstances.

am no stranger to

Emphasizes experience with something, often implying resilience or expertise.

have experience with

Highlights practical knowledge or involvement in a particular area.

am in the habit of

Implies a routine or regular practice.

have a knack for

Suggests a natural talent or skill in a particular area.

FAQs

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

"Am used to" describes a current state of being accustomed to something. "Used to" describes a past habit or state that is no longer true.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I am use to"?

No, the correct phrase is "am used to". "Use" should be in its past participle form, "used", when it follows "am" to express familiarity.

What can I say instead of "am used to"?

You can use alternatives like "am accustomed to", "am familiar with", or "am comfortable with" depending on the context.

How do I use "am used to" in a sentence?

Follow the structure "I am used to + [noun/gerund]". For example, "I am used to waking up early" or "I am used to the cold weather".