Usually v Used To v Be/Get Used To

What is the difference between the following sentences?

A. I usually get up early.

B. I used to get up early.

C. I am used to getting up early.

D. I will never get used to getting up early.

usually = normally:  we use this adverb to describe how often we do something. It acts in the same way as any other frequency adverb (always, sometimes, never..)
  • I usually get up early (but I sometimes get up later on a Sunday).
used to: we use this to describe a past habit; something we did in the past but don't do now.
  • I used to get up early (but not anymore - I get up later now).
be used to ___ing: we use this to describe something you do now that you are familiar with and isn't a problem to do.
  • I am used to getting up early (it was difficult at first, but I have been getting up early for some time and it isn't a problem now).
get used to ___ing: we use this to describe the process until something is no longer a problem
  • I will never get used to getting up so early.

Tell me about:
  • what you usually do on Saturdays
  • what you usually do on Sundays
  • where and when you usually go on holiday
  • what music you usually listen to
  • what you usually have for breakfast
  • what time you usually get up during the week
  • where you usually go shopping for clothes
  • what kind of films you usually see
  • a singer, group or song that you used to like but you don't now
  • an interest you used to have
  • a town or neighbourhood where you used to live
  • something you didn't use to eat but you enjoy eating now
  • something you used to be good at but not so good at now
  • the appearance you used to have as a teenager
  • something you are used to doing that people you know aren't
  • something you aren't used to doing
  • something you would need to get used to if you lived in the UK
  • something a foreigner would need to get used to if they lived in Spain
  • something that you needed a long time to get used to
  • something that you think you will never get used to

There are three related exercises to practice the difference - look under the Grammar section on the left.

Read and reply to this post on used to.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Graham !!

I´m going to try answer you before weekend.

Félix
Anonymous said…
Hi, Graham. I hope I haven't made many mistakes. Montse

• On Saturdays morning I usually go to see how my son plays football and in the afternoon I usually go out with my friends.
• On Sundays I usually stay at home.
• I usually go on holiday in summer and December. Some times I go to beach, the others I go to the mountain or I go abroad.
• I usually listen to pop music.
• I usually have a coffee with milk and bread with oil and tomato for breakfast.
• I usually get up at 6:15 p.m. during the week.
• I usually go shopping for clothes to Gran Vía street.
• I usually see historical and drama films.



• I used to like The Bee Gees but I don’t now.
• I used to like to ride a bike.
• I used to live in Vallecas.
• I didn’t use to eat vegetables.
• I used to be good at memory.



• I am used to drinking tea.
• I am not used to drinking whisky.
• I would need to get used to speaking English if I lived in the UK
• A foreigner would need to get used to speaking loud if they lived in Spain.
• I needed a long time to get used to driving by the left.
• I think I will never get used to eating insects.


See you tomorrow.
Graham said…
Ok Felix. :-)

You have hardly made any mistakes, Montse.

SOMETIMES I go to THE BEACH, OTHER TIMES I go to the MOUNTAINS or I go abroad.

I used to BE GOOD AT REMEMBERING THINGS. / MY MEMORY USED TO BE BETTER THAN IT IS NOW.

A foreigner would need to get used to PEOPLE SPEAKING LOUDLY if they lived in Spain. (or do you mean that the foreigner would have to speak loudly too - I can't!)

driving ON THE LEFT

I think I WOULD NEVER get used to eating insects (with "will" you are saying that you eat insects now but you will always have a problem with it - and I don't suppose you have beatles for dinner!)

See you in the morning!
Esther said…
hello Graham I do something exercise of gramar.
1.
- I used to eat a lot of chocolate but now I´m on a diet.
- Paul used to work in London but now he works in Sheffield.
- He used to take the train to work but now he drives.
- When I was younger i didn´t use to eat cheese but now I eat a lot
-When i lived in the city I often used to go to the theatre.
- They used to go to a very traditional school were they wore a uniform.
- I used to really enjoy his company but now I find him a bit boring.
- She used to play the piano but now she palys the guitar.
- We used to go to the beach for our holidays when we were children.
2.-
- There used to be a cinema here.
- He used to have long hair.
- I used to eat a lot of fast food.
-it used to be very expensive.
- She used to smoke 20 a day.
- They used to live in France.
3.-
- I get up at 5.30 every day so I´m used to getting up early.
- She´s German so she isn´t used to driving on the left yet.
- they are used to living in a big house.
- I come from a big family so I´m used to sharing with my brothers and sisters.
- my father is often away on business so I´m used to only having my mother at home.
- I haven´t lived in the country for very long so i´m not used to driving miles to the nearest shop.
- the children went to boaring school so they are used to living away from home.
- He travels a lot for work so he is used to flying.
- I´m new in this job so I´m not used to telling people what to do.
I hope that you receive my homeworks,I´m not sure.
Esther said…
Hi Graham I send you other exercise.
- When I was a student, I used to work in a bar.
- I will never get used to working nights. I much prefer working days.
- She isn´t used to living on her own. The house feels quite empty.
- When I worked in the city I used to get up really early to commute to work.
- Are you getting used to living in your new house yet
- We´re not used to living in a cold climate. We´re used to a warm one.
- I used to be a gardener. I´m not used to sitting in an office all day.
- Since I retired from my job, Ican´t get used to having nothing to do all day.
- In my last job I used to wear a suit and tie. Now I wear jeans.
Bye, see you on wednesday.
Graham said…
Hi Esther,

I don't know where you got this exercise from but all the sentences are grammatically correct.

I'M GOING TO DO SOME GRAMMAR EXERCISES.

I hope that you receive my HOMEWORK.

I AM SENDING you ANOTHER EXERCISE.

Well done! Please explore the blog and leave some comments.

C U tomorrow!
Anonymous said…
Hi, Graham, here you are some exercises about "used to". See you Wednesday, José Luis

• what you usually do on Saturdays
• what you usually do on Sundays
• where and when you usually go on holiday
• what music you usually listen to
• what you usually have for breakfast
• what time you usually get up during the week
• where you usually go shopping for clothes
• what kind of films you usually see

1. I usually get up late on Saturdays
2. I usually go to the cinema on Saturdays evening
3. I usually travel to Italy in July
4. I usually listen to clasic music when I am working
5. I usually have fruit, coffe and bread for breakfast
6. I usually get up on half past seven everyday
7. I usually go to the cinema to see thrillers and comedys.

• a singer, group or song that you used to like but you don't now
• an interest you used to have
• a town or neighbourhood where you used to live
• something you didn't used to eat but you enjoy eating now
• something you used to be good at but not so good at now
• the appearance you used to have as a teenager

1. I used to like country music, but I can’t stand it now.
2. When I was a child, I used to be interested in the football players’ life.
3. When I was a child, I used to live in Las Palmas, a town of Canary Islands.
4. I didn’t use to eat fish, but now I love this.
5. I used to be good at playing guitar
6. I used to have the appearance of a serious teenager.


• something you are used to doing that people you know aren't
• something you aren't used to doing
• something you would need to get used to if you lived in the UK
• something a foreigner would need to get used to if they lived in Spain
• something that you needed a long time to get used to
• something that you think you will never get used to

1. I am used to walking every day one hour (I don’t understand well the meaning of the initial phrase…)
2. I am not used to sleeping nine hours every night.
3. I would need to get used to driving on the left.
4. He would need to get used to eating the lunch very late.
5. He needed long time to get used to understanding English.
6. He will never get used to heraring people speaking aloud.

José Luis Profesor
Graham said…
Hi José Luis,

Sorry for not getting round to replying until now. Today is my first day back at work after a long bout of the flu.


1. I usually get up late on Saturdays / I usually have a lie-in on Saturdays.
2. I usually go to the cinema on Saturday evenings
4. I usually listen to classical music when I am working
5. I usually have fruit, coffee and bread for breakfast
6. I usually get up at half past seven every day
7. I usually go to the cinema to see thrillers and comedies.


2. When I was a child, I used to be interested in football players’ lives.
4. I didn’t use to eat fish, but now I love it.


1. I am used to walking every day one hour. Most people aren't used to walking 1 hour every day.
4. He would need to get used to eating lunch very late.


See you tomorrow! I suppose I'll be fit enough.
luciti said…
Hi Graham!
Other practics!

what you usually do on Saturdays. I usually go running in the morning and (I usually) go to the Goyescas bar in the night, I have to recover liquids
• what you usually do on Sundays. I usually stay at home to relaxing.
• where and when you usually go on holiday. I used to go to Baleares on holiday, now I usually go to Girona. I’m used to going on Holidays on August.
• what music you usually listen to. I don’t usually listen to music.
• what you usually have for breakfast. I used to have a coffee with milk, now I usually have fruits and coffee with milk.
• what time you usually get up during the week. I’m used to getting up early during the week, Now I have got a challenger and I get used to getting up at six o’clock
• where you usually go shopping for clothes. I usually go shopping for clothes to HM-shops.
• what kind of films you usually see. I’m used to seeing custom films.
• a singer, group or song that you used to like but you don't now. I used to like Alaska.
• an interest you used to have. I used to recollect plants in the past.
• a town or neighbourhood where you used to live. I used to live in Prosperidad neighborhood.
• something you didn't used to eat but you enjoy eating now. I enjoy having a tea.

Now I'm going running.

bye
Graham said…
Hi Lucía,

I didn't know you were a runner. Or did you mean you were in a hurry? :D

More practice!

what you usually do on Saturdays. I usually go running in the morning and (I usually) go to the Goyescas bar in the evening / at night, I have to recover liquids

• what you usually do on Sundays. I usually stay at home to relax.

• where and when you usually go on holiday.
I’m used to going on Holidays in August.

• what you usually have for breakfast. I used to have a coffee with milk, now I usually have some fruit and coffee with milk.

• what time you usually get up during the week. I’m used to getting up early during the week, Now I have got a challenge and I have to get used to getting up at six o’clock

• where you usually go shopping for clothes. I usually go shopping for clothes to HM-shops. (You are a fashion victim LOL)

• what kind of films you usually see. I’m used to seeing custom films. (Don't know what you mean by "custom films")

• an interest you used to have. I used to collect plants in the past.

• something you didn't used to eat but you enjoy eating now. I enjoy having tea / a cup of tea.


Any mistakes that you made weren't about "used to" etc

Well done!
Anonymous said…
Hi Graham, this is Inés. Here you are some exercises about "used to".

•I usually go out with my friends on Saturdays.
•On Sundays I usually get up late.
•I usually go to my village on July.
•I usualy listen to pop music.
•I usually have coffee and some toasts for breakfast.
•I usually get up at seven o'clock during the week.
•When I go shopping I usually go shops such as Stradivarius, H&M, Pull&Bear,etc.
•I usually watch romantic films.

•I used to like Katy Perry.
•I used to dance hip-hop.
•I used to live near the school, but when I was 2 years old I moved to this house.
•I didn't used to eat lettuce, but now I like it.
•I used to be good at basketball.
•I used to have short hair (when I was a kid).

•I am used to walking everyday one hour.
•I am not used to sleeping more than eight hours per day.
•If I lived in the UK I wouldn't get used to having the tea at five o'clock everyday.
•A foreign would need to get used to eating at three o'clock.
•I needed to get used to understanding English.
•I will never get used to eating beans.
Graham said…
Hi Inés,

All fine except for:

Hi Graham, this is Inés. Here you are some exercises about "used to".

•I usually go to my village in July.

•I usually have coffee and some toastfor breakfast.

•When I go shopping I usually go to shops such as Stradivarius, H&M, Pull&Bear and so on.


•I didn't use to eat lettuce, but now I like it.

•I am used to walking one hour every day.

•If I lived in the UK I wouldn't get used to having tea at five o'clock everyday.

•A foreigner would need to get used to eating at three o'clock.


Well done!

See you tomorrow.
Rafa said…
what you usually do on Saturdays - I usually cook for my friends and family
what you usually do on Sundays - I usually go to the gym in the morning.
where and when you usually go on holiday - I usually go to Sicily in summer time.
what music you usually listen to - I usually prefer listening classical music.
what you usually have for breakfast- I usually have coffee with milk and some toasts or biscuits
what time you usually get up during the week- I usually get up at 7:30
where you usually go shopping for clothes- I usually like to make shopping in Massimo Dutit
what kind of films you usually see - I usually see thrillers




a singer, group or song that you used to like but you don't now - I used to like Madonna

an interest you used to have - I used to be interested in astronomy

a town or neighbourhood where you used to live -I used to live in Granada.

something you didn't use to eat but you enjoy eating now - I didn't use to eat lamb meat.

something you used to be good at but not so good at now - I used to be good in communicating in foreing languages.
the appearance you used to have as a teenager - I used to look like a swot.


something you are used to doing that people you know aren't- I'm used to going to the gym very early in the morning.

something you aren't used to doing- I'm not used to drinking alcohol during labor hours.

something you would need to get used to if you lived in the UK- I get used to drinking tea in the afternoon.

something a foreigner would need to get used to if they lived in Spain- He get used to resting after lunch during the hot season.

something that you needed a long time to get used to - I get used to making some exercises very early in the morning

something that you think you will never get used to - I'll never get used to smoking
Graham said…
Good evening Rafa,

Let's see how you have got on.


where and when you usually go on holiday - I usually go to Sicily in summer time. (I've only been once but I'd love to go back one day)

what music you usually listen to - I usually prefer listening to classical music.

what you usually have for breakfast- I usually have coffee with milk and some toast or biscuits

where you usually go shopping for clothes- I usually like to shop in Massimo Dutti



a town or neighbourhood where you used to live -I used to live in Granada ( I love Granada. The last time I was there I did a half marathon)

something you didn't use to eat but you enjoy eating now - I didn't use to eat lamb (I've only eaten it once. As soon as they told me what I was eating, I spat it out)

something you used to be good at but not so good at now - I used to be good at communicating in foreign languages


something you are used to doing that people you know aren't- I'm used to going to the gym very early in the morning. (I was surprised to see how many people go really early in the morning. I only went because my boiler wasn't working and I needed a hot shower)

something you aren't used to doing- I'm not used to drinking alcohol during labor hours / working hours.

something you would need to get used to if you lived in the UK- I would need to get used to drinking tea in the afternoon. (would - hypothetical)

something a foreigner would need to get used to if they lived in Spain- He'd need to get used to resting after lunch during the hot season.

something that you needed a long time to get used to - It took me ages to get used to doing exercise very early in the morning

something that you think you will never get used to - I'll never get used to smoking (This sounds like you are trying to start smoking. I guess that you aren't a smoker so it would be hypothetical - I'd never get used to smoking)

I'll never get used to living in a noisy city. (I've tried but ...)
Unknown said…
I usually walk on Saturdays for one hour.
I usually play volleyball on Sundays.
I usually go to Seville the first two weeks of August on holiday.
I usually listen Spanish rap and reggeton.
I usually have integral cereals and coffe for breakfast.
I usually get up at 9:00 am during the week.
I usually go shopping for clothes to Principe Pio.
I usually watch science fiction films.

I used to like El Canto del Loco but I don't now.
I used to play videogames but I don't now.
I used to live in Aravaca but I live in Moncloa now.
I didn't use to eat fish but I enjoy eating it now.
I used to be good at playing tennis but I am not so good now.
I used to have crooked teeth as a teenager but I don't now.

I am used to speaking Eglish but people I know aren't.
I am not used to climbing.
I would need to get used to the rain if I lived in the UK.
A foreign would need to get used to having dinner at 10:00 pm if they lived in Spain.
I needed a long time to get used to being cold when I lived in Amsterdam.
I think I will never get used to hearing the cars noise at night.
Graham said…
Good afternoon Alejandro,

You did exactly what I asked of you here but if it were the exam, you should add on a bit of extra info. Try to get into the habit of expanding on things you say (giving you the chance to use impressive language). I'll give you some examples below.


I usually walk on Saturdays for one hour.
I usually play volleyball on Sundays. (Now and again I'll go with my teammates for some beers after the game.)
I usually go on holiday to Seville the first two weeks / fortnight of August.
I usually listen to Spanish rap and reggeton.
I usually have wholewheat cereal and coffee for breakfast.
I usually get up at 9:00 am during the week (whereas I might not get up until midday at weekend).
I usually go shopping to Principe Pio for clothes.
I usually watch science fiction films. (Romcoms are not my cup of tea.)

I used to like El Canto del Loco but I don't now /not anymore.
I used to play videogames but I am far too old for it now.
I used to live in Aravaca but I now live in Moncloa. (adverbs before the verb in written form is more formal)
I didn't use to eat fish but I enjoy eating it now.
I used to be good at playing tennis but I am not so good now.
I used to have crooked teeth as a teenager but I don't now. (You pronounce the e in crooked!)

I am used to speaking English but people I know aren't.
I am not used to climbing.
I would need to get used to the rain if I lived in the UK.
A foreigner would need to get used to having dinner at 10:00 pm if they lived in Spain.
I needed a long time to get used to being cold / the cold when I lived in Amsterdam.
I think I will never get used to hearing noise of cars / of the traffic at night.
Maria Rossignoli Montero said…
Hi Graham!

I usually go out with friends on Saturdays
I usually wake up late on Sundays
I usually go to the beach on holiday in/during the summer
I usually listen rock and reggaeton music
I usually have oats with banana and a cup of tea for breakfast
I usually get up around 9am during the week
I usually go to second hand shops for buying clothes
I usually see romantic movies and thrillers
I used to listen to Pitbull many years ago but not now
I used to play hookey when I was a kid
I used to live in Valencia when I was a teen
I didn't like eating lentils as a kid but now I am used to eat them
I used to be good at sports but not anymore
I used to have pimples and brunette hair when I was a teenager
I am used to cooking mostly everyday
I am not used to doing meditation
If I'd like in UK I'd have to get used to carrying a brolly everytime I'd go out
Every foreigner who wants to live in Spain shoud get used to watching out their belongings
I needed a long time to get used to doing my bed every morning
I don't think I can ever get used to waking up early

something that you think you will never get used to
Graham said…
Hi Maria,

I wonder if you've got the hang of this yet. Let's see.


I usually go out with friends on Saturdays.🤩
I usually wake up late on Sundays.🤩
I usually go to the beach on holiday in/during the summer.🤩
I usually listen to rock and reggaeton music.
I usually have oats with banana and a cup of tea for breakfast.🤩
I usually get up around 9am during the week.🤩
I usually go to second hand shops for buying clothes.🤩
I usually see romantic movies and thrillers.🤩
I used to listen to Pitbull many years ago but not now.🤩 (I have heard of him but no idea what he sounds like)
I used to play hookey (/play truant) when I was a kid.🤩
I used to live in Valencia when I was a teen.🤩
I didn't like eating lentils as a kid but now I am used to eating them.
I used to be good at sports but not anymore.🤩
I used to have pimples (/ spots) and brown hair when I was a teenager.🤩
I am used to cooking mostly everyday.🤩
I am not used to doing meditation.🤩
If I lived in the UK, I'd have to get used to carrying a brolly every time I went out.
Every foreigner who wants to live in Spain should get used to keeping an eye on / watching their belongings / should beware of pickpockets.
I needed a long time to get used to making my bed every morning.
I don't think I can ever get used to waking up early.🤩