are used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are used to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is mainly used to express habit. For example, "We are used to eating dinner at 8pm every night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are used to this".

The New York Times

People are used to it.

The New York Times

CANADIANS are used to snow.

The Economist

They are used to suffering.

The Economist

"We are used to that.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are used to it.

The New York Times

"We are used to winning.

Independent

Fortunately, they are used to waiting.

The New York Times - Sports

Statistics are used to describe the world.

The New York Times - Science

I thought you are used to propaganda".

The New York Times

They are used to keeping house.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are used to", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is accustomed to something. For example: "The residents are used to the noise."

Common error

Avoid writing "are use to" when you mean "are used to". "Use to" refers to past habits that no longer occur. For current habits or familiarity, "are used to" is correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are used to" functions as a verb phrase indicating familiarity or habituation. It connects a subject to a state of being accustomed to something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples like "People are used to advertising".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are used to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey familiarity or habituation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently seen in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. To ensure clarity, remember to distinguish it from "used to", which describes a past habit. For alternative expressions, consider "are accustomed to" or "are familiar with". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "are used to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are accustomed to

Replaces "used" with "accustomed", implying a similar sense of familiarity or habituation.

are in the habit of

Emphasizes a regular, repeated action or behavior, similar to being "used to" something.

are familiar with

Focuses on being acquainted or knowledgeable about something, rather than habituated to it.

are comfortable with

Suggests a sense of ease or lack of discomfort with something, rather than mere familiarity.

are adapted to

Highlights the process of adjustment to new conditions or environments.

have experience with

Highlights prior involvement or exposure, suggesting a level of skill or understanding.

are no strangers to

Indicates that something is not new or unfamiliar, often implying prior experience or exposure.

are well-versed in

Highlights extensive knowledge and expertise in a particular subject.

are skilled at

Focuses on competence or proficiency in a particular activity or area.

have a knack for

Implies a natural talent or aptitude for something.

FAQs

How can I use "are used to" in a sentence?

Use "are used to" to describe a state of being accustomed or familiar with something. For example, "They "are used to the noise"" or "We "are used to working long hours"".

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

"Used to" describes a past habit or state that is no longer true, while "are used to" describes a current state of being accustomed to something. For example, "I used to smoke" (but I don't anymore) versus "I "am used to the smell"" (I'm familiar with it now).

Which is correct, "are used to" or "are use to"?

"Are used to" is the correct phrase. "Are use to" is grammatically incorrect. Ensure you include the "-d" to indicate past participle form when expressing familiarity or habituation.

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

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