Be used to and get used to explanation and examples.

Comparing the two structures.

Be used to.

Be used to is used to talk about situations that do not cause us problems or we are happy about. These situations probably happen frequently in our lives. Be used to requires "ing" when followed by an infinitive. A noun can also follow this structure.

Examples:

I'm used to getting up early. I don't mind at all.

John was used to having noisy brothers and sisters. He never complained.

Some nocturnal animals are not used to the light. It hurts their eyes.

Are you used to living in London? Or do you want to go back to Spain?

We can see that be used to only talks about situations or states; not specific actions. (Compare with get used to below...)

Get used to.

Get used to has a similar structure and meaning to be used to but it refers to the action or process of adapting to a situation.

Examples:

I can't get used to getting up early. I feel so tired.

John couldn't get used to having noisy brothers and sisters. He spent most of his time out of the house.

The workers have got used to the new regulations. They're quite happy now.

Will you get used to eating English food? Don't you think it's awful?

Get used to is an action so it can be used in the continuous forms:

I'm getting used to studying hard. I can study six hours a day.

I was getting used to a quiet life but then we had children.

Used to compared with would for past habitual actions...

Used to for past habitual actions...

Exercises on be used to and get used to...