Listen to this programme first and then read the content below. 请先听节目然后再阅读以下内容。

This week's question comes from Kate from Foshan in Guangdong. She wants to know the difference between 'used to' and 'be used to'.

Both are common phrases and sound quite similar but mean very different things.

1) Used to

When you say you are used to something, it means it's something you did regularly before, but don't do any more.

For example, we hear these sentences in the programme:

I used to smoke, but I don't do it any more.
I used to drink less alcohol, I do it more now!
I used to play some football, and now I play a lot more football.

2) Be used to

To be used to something is to be familiar with something.

Please notice that we use the '-ing form' of the verb after this phrase.

3) Get used to

I am used to waking up early.
He is used to eating in restaurants.

	Using chopsticks can take some getting used to

When you say you get used to something, it describes the process of becoming familiar with it.

I had to get used to the cost of living.
I had to get used to the food.
I had to get used to the rain.

If you have a question about the English language, send us an email:
questions.chinaelt@bbc.co.uk and don't forget to visit this page regularly to learn more about English!

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Glossary 词汇

used to 过去常常

be used to 习惯于什么或习惯作某事

get used to 习惯一件事情的过程

alcohol 酒

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