we are used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are used to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is familiar or normal for someone or a group of people. Here are a few examples: - "We are used to the cold weather here, so we always bundle up before heading outside." - "As a military family, we are used to moving to new places every few years." - "We are used to working long hours, so staying at the office until 9pm is nothing new for us." - "Living in a big city, we are used to the noise and hustle and bustle of daily life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are used to this".

The New York Times

"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

"We are used to such things".

The New Yorker

"But we are used to hard work.

The New York Times - Sports

We are used to entertaining the fans.

Independent

We are used to finishing first.

Independent

"We are used to sharing.

The New York Times

"We are used to wars.

The New York Times

We are used to dealing with that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are used to" to convey a sense of familiarity or habituation, especially when describing something that might be unusual or challenging for others. For example, "We are used to working under pressure, so deadlines don't typically stress us out."

Common error

Avoid writing "we use to" when you mean "we are used to". "Use to" indicates a past habit that is no longer true, while "are used to" indicates a current state of being accustomed to something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are used to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being accustomed to something. It indicates familiarity or habituation. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is commonly found across various types of texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

25%

General Conversation

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are used to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express familiarity or habituation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to everyday conversations. When using this phrase, be mindful not to confuse it with "we used to", which denotes a past habit. Alternatives such as "we are accustomed to" or "we are familiar with" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can confidently incorporate "we are used to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are accustomed to

Emphasizes a sense of established habit or practice, often implying a more formal or long-term adaptation.

we are comfortable with

Highlights a feeling of ease or acceptance, suggesting a lack of concern or apprehension.

we are familiar with

Highlights a state of knowing or recognizing something, focusing on understanding rather than habit.

we have experience with

Focuses on the practical knowledge gained from direct involvement in something.

we are no strangers to

Indicates a level of experience with something, often used to downplay potential challenges.

it's second nature to us

Implies that something is so ingrained it feels automatic, requiring no conscious effort.

we are acquainted with

Suggests a basic level of knowledge or awareness, implying less depth than "familiar".

we are conversant with

Implies a knowledgeable understanding, often in a technical or specialized context.

we are in the habit of

Emphasizes a routine or customary action, focusing on the regularity of the behavior.

we are well-versed in

Indicates a high level of skill or knowledge, often gained through study or practice.

FAQs

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

Use "we are used to" to describe a state of being familiar or accustomed to something. For example, "We are used to the noise" means that the noise is not disruptive to us because we have experienced it before.

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

"We are used to" means something is familiar or customary now. "We used to" describes a past habit or condition that is no longer true. For example, "We used to live in New York" means we lived there in the past but no longer do.

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

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

Is "we are use to" grammatically correct?

No, "we are use to" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "we are used to". The word "used" needs the -d ending when it's part of the phrase indicating familiarity or habituation.