not used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not used to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a lack of familiarity or comfort with something. Example: "I am not used to waking up so early in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We're not used to this".

The New Yorker

They're not used to this".

The New York Times - Tech

"I'm not used to lawns.

The New York Times

"They're not used to it.

The New York Times

I'm not used to this".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not used to that.

The New York Times - Sports

Adults are not used to that.

The New York Times

It's not used to the cold".

The New York Times

"It's not used to it anymore.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're just not used to this".

The New York Times

Our guys were not used to that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not used to", ensure the verb following "to" is in the gerund form (e.g., "not used to waking", "not used to eating").

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb after "to" in the phrase "not used to". The correct form is the gerund (verb + -ing). For example, say "I'm not used to waking up early," not "I'm not used to wake up early".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not used to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of familiarity or habituation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not used to" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to convey a lack of familiarity or habituation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage involves following "to" with a gerund. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse communicative purposes. When writing, remember to use the gerund form of the verb after "to" (e.g., "not used to waking") and consider alternatives like "unaccustomed to" or "not familiar with" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaccustomed to

Formal alternative emphasizing a lack of familiarity or habit.

not accustomed to

Similar to "unaccustomed to", but slightly less formal.

not familiar with

Focuses on a lack of knowledge or experience.

not in the habit of

Highlights the absence of a routine or practice.

not one for

Informal way of saying someone doesn't typically do something.

new to

Indicates something is a recent experience.

haven't gotten used to

Emphasizes the process of becoming familiar with something.

not yet adjusted to

Highlights the lack of adaptation to a new situation.

finding it strange to

Focuses on the feeling of something being unusual or odd.

not knowing how to

Focuses on a lack of skill or ability, often stemming from unfamiliarity.

FAQs

What does "not used to" mean?

The phrase "not used to" expresses a lack of familiarity or habituation with something. It indicates that a person or thing has not yet become accustomed to a particular situation, action, or object.

How do I use "not used to" in a sentence?

Use "not used to" followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) to describe something you haven't become accustomed to. For example, "I am "not used to the cold"" or "She is "not used to walking" so much."

What's the difference between "used to" and "not used to"?

"Used to" indicates a past habit or state that is no longer true. "Not used to", on the other hand, means someone is currently unfamiliar or unaccustomed to something.

Are there other ways to say "not used to"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "unaccustomed to", "not accustomed to", or "not familiar with" depending on the context.