were used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'were used to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is the past tense of the verb 'to use'. You can use it when you are referring to something familiar or routine, often a habit. Example: We were used to having family dinners every Sunday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were used to it".

The New York Times - Health

You were used to it.

The New Yorker

It's not something were used to.

The New York Times

And besides, we were used to it.

The New York Times

You were used to free access".

The New York Times

They were used to these interruptions.

The New York Times - Arts

"They were used to subsidies," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"We were used to him.

The New York Times

"People were used to Clinton.

The New York Times

They were used to it.

The Guardian - Arts

They were used to that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were used to" to describe past states or situations that were once familiar or routine, but may no longer be the case. It emphasizes a change in circumstances.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "were used to" (past familiarity) with "to be used to" (the process of becoming familiar). For example, "They were used to the noise" is different from "They are getting used to the noise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were used to" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating a past condition of being accustomed or familiar with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a past state. Examples show its utility across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

27%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were used to" is a versatile phrase indicating past familiarity or habit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While common in news and media, as well as academic writing, it is essential to differentiate it from similar phrases like "are used to" and avoid confusion with the structure "to be used to". For alternatives, consider options such as "were accustomed to" or "were familiar with" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were accustomed to

Indicates a state of being familiar with something, similar to "were used to" but with a slightly more formal tone.

were familiar with

Focuses on knowledge or understanding rather than habituation, but still implies a level of comfort.

were in the habit of

Similar to "had a habit of" but with a slightly more formal tone.

had a habit of

Highlights a repeated action or behavior, emphasizing the routine aspect.

were no strangers to

Implies that something was not new or surprising, suggesting prior experience.

were comfortable with

Highlights the sense of ease or lack of discomfort associated with something.

were well-versed in

Emphasizes expertise or knowledge gained through repeated exposure.

were conversant with

Indicates familiarity and understanding, often in a technical or specialized context.

had experience with

Focuses on past interactions or engagements, implying a level of skill or knowledge.

were acquainted with

Suggests a basic level of knowledge or familiarity, often implying a formal or distant relationship.

FAQs

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

Use "were used to" to describe something that was familiar or habitual in the past. For example, "We "were used to" walking to school every day, but now we take the bus".

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

"Were used to" refers to a past state of familiarity, while "are used to" refers to a present state. "They "were used to" cold winters" means they were accustomed to it in the past, but it might not be true now.

Which is correct, "used to" or "use to"?

"Used to" is the correct form for expressing a past habit or state. "Use to" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The past tense form is always "used to", even in questions (Did you "use to" live here?).

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

You can use alternatives like "were accustomed to", "were familiar with", or "had a habit of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.