be used to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be used to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that has become familiar or routine because of repetition or experience. For example: "I am used to getting up early for work each morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

This can be used to represent hierarchies.

The Economist

New Yorkers should be used to change.

The New York Times - Sports

"This should never be used to manipulate".

The New York Times

Aspirin can be used to relieve pain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They ought to be used to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

This mustn't be used to stigmatise people".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I'm used to winning.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's used to colder".

The New Yorker

CANADIANS are used to snow.

The Economist

"They're used to winning.

The New York Times - Sports

They are used to suffering.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be used to", ensure the verb "be" is conjugated correctly to match the subject (e.g., I am used to, he is used to, they are used to).

Common error

Avoid using "used to" (past habit) in place of "be used to" (accustomed to). For example, say "I am used to waking up early", not "I used to wake up early" unless you're referring to a past habit.

How to use

Learn how to use "be used to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being accustomed or familiar with something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples show it expressing familiarity with various situations and experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be used to" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression denoting familiarity or habituation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. When using it, make sure to conjugate the verb "be" properly and differentiate it from "used to" (a past habit). Remember to use alternatives like "be accustomed to" or "be familiar with" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be accustomed to

Focuses on habit or familiarity developed over time.

be familiar with

Emphasizes knowledge or understanding gained through experience.

be comfortable with

Highlights a sense of ease or acceptance regarding something.

be no stranger to

Indicates frequent or extensive exposure to something, often implying resilience.

have experience with

Stresses the practical application and knowledge acquired through involvement.

be conversant with

Implies a high level of knowledge and understanding, often in a formal context.

be well-versed in

Highlights expertise and thorough knowledge of a subject or skill.

be at ease with

Conveys a sense of relaxation and lack of discomfort in a particular situation.

grow accustomed to

Focuses on the process of becoming familiar over a period of time.

get the hang of

Emphasizes the learning process and eventual proficiency in a skill or task.

FAQs

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

Use "be used to" to express that someone is accustomed or familiar with something. For example, "She is used to the loud noises of the city".

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

"Used to" describes a past habit or state that is no longer true, while "be used to" describes being accustomed or familiar with something in the present. For example, "I used to smoke" (past habit) vs. "I am used to waking up early" (present familiarity).

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

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

Is it correct to say "I'm use to" instead of "I'm used to"?

No, "I'm use to" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I'm used to", where "used" is the past participle of the verb "use".