used to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used to get" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to something that happened in the past that is no longer happening. For example, "I used to get the bus to school every day, but now I drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ronaldo used to get one".

The Guardian - Sport

I used to get history.

The New York Times

"I used to get flashbacks".

Independent

Republicans used to get it.

The New York Times

I used to get stressed.

The New York Times

Senators used to get free haircuts.

The New York Times

"Everybody used to get mad at me.

The New York Times

I used to get quite scared.

Independent

I used to get ribbed a lot.

The New York Times

Jeremy used to get homesick, too.

The New York Times

It used to get me down.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "used to get" when referring to past habits or situations that are no longer true. For example, "I "used to get" nervous before presentations, but now I feel more confident."

Common error

Avoid writing "use to get" without the 'd' at the end of "used". "Use to get" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The 'd' is essential to indicate the past tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to get" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action, state, or habit that is no longer current. Ludwig examples demonstrate this in contexts ranging from personal experiences to societal trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "used to get" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe past habits, situations, or states that no longer exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of change over time. It is versatile and suitable for various registers, but is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure that you include the 'd' at the end of "used" to avoid grammatical errors. Consider alternatives like "used to receive" or "would often get" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used to receive

More formal synonym using "receive" instead of "get".

would often get

Uses "would" to express a past routine or tendency.

once got

Implies a past occurrence that is no longer happening.

used to obtain

Replaces "get" with a more formal synonym "obtain".

in the past, would get

Adds explicit time reference for emphasis.

had a habit of getting

Emphasizes the habitual nature of the action.

was in the habit of receiving

Highlights the habitual aspect of receiving something.

customarily received

A more formal way of saying "used to get", implying a regular reception.

previously obtained

Similar to "formerly acquired", highlighting the past acquisition.

formerly acquired

Uses "formerly" and "acquired" for a more sophisticated tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "used to get" to describe past habits or situations that are no longer true. For instance, "I "used to get" the newspaper every morning before work" indicates a past routine.

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

"Used to get" implies receiving or obtaining something regularly in the past, while "used to" describes a general past habit or state. For example, "I "used to get" headaches often" versus "I "used to" play basketball after school".

What are some alternatives to "used to get"?

Some alternatives include "used to receive", "would often get", or "had a habit of getting". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

No, it is not correct. "I "used to get"" is the correct form to indicate a past habit or situation. "I use to get" is a common grammatical error.