got used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got used to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing the process of getting accustomed to something. For example: "After living in the city for a few months, I got used to the fast-paced lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I got used to it.

The New York Times

"I got used to everything.

The New York Times

"They got used to it," he said.

The New York Times

It was something you got used to".

The New York Times - Sports

And got used to it as well.

Independent

People have got used to this president.

The Economist

Maybe we got used to it ourselves.

Independent

I got used to it in jail".

The New Yorker

"But I got used to it".

The New Yorker

But then they got used to it".

The New York Times

I never got used to it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "got used to" with more descriptive alternatives like "adapted to" or "became familiar with" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid interchanging "used to" (past habit) with "get used to" (becoming accustomed). "Used to" describes a past state or action that is no longer true, while "get used to" signifies adapting to a new situation or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got used to" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a change in state where someone becomes accustomed to something. Ludwig's examples show its usage across diverse contexts, highlighting its role in expressing adaptation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got used to" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes the process of becoming accustomed to something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in a wide array of contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both informal and formal communication. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate that "got used to" is commonly used in news and media, academic writing, and business communication. While it is a common phrase, it's important to avoid confusing it with "used to", which describes a past habit. Remember to clearly indicate what the subject is becoming accustomed to, and consider using more descriptive alternatives to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Became accustomed to

Formal alternative emphasizing a gradual process of getting familiar with something.

Grew accustomed to

Similar to 'became accustomed to' but highlights a natural, organic process of adaptation.

Adapted to

Focuses on the adjustment made to fit new conditions, omitting the gradual familiarization aspect.

Adjusted to

Emphasizes the act of modifying behavior or thinking to align with a new environment or situation.

Became familiar with

Highlights the process of learning and understanding something, rather than just getting used to it.

Acclimated to

Specifically refers to adapting to a new climate or environment, suggesting a physical adjustment.

Grew to accept

Indicates an emotional or attitudinal shift towards accepting something, implying initial resistance.

Learned to live with

Suggests a coping mechanism to endure something often unpleasant or challenging.

Became desensitized to

Implies a reduced emotional response to something, often due to repeated exposure.

Took it in stride

Indicates handling a challenge or new situation calmly and efficiently.

FAQs

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

You can use "got used to" to describe becoming accustomed to something over time. For example, "After a few weeks, I "got used to" the early morning commute".

What's a more formal way to say "got used to"?

A more formal alternative to "got used to" is "became accustomed to". For example, "She became accustomed to the demands of her new role".

Is it correct to say "I am used to" instead of "I got used to"?

"I am used to" and "I "got used to"" have different meanings. "I am used to" means you are currently accustomed to something, while "I "got used to"" means you became accustomed to something over time.

What can I say instead of "I got used to it" when referring to a difficult situation?

Depending on the context, you could say "I "learned to live with it"", "I "grew to accept it"", or "I "adapted to it"".