Used to Vs. Be Used to – using the correct tool for the job of communication!
It really is the little things that cause confusion.
What is the difference between these two sentences?
- I used to exercise every day.
- I’m used to exercising every day.
When I ask you about the difference, you could reply with a difference in meaning or a difference in grammar. In fact, there are differences in both meaning and grammar. Let’s start with meaning.
Difference in Meaning
- I used to exercise every day. = In the past, it was usual for me to exercise every day. Now, I don’t exercise every day.
- I’m used to exercising every day. = Right now in my life, I am in the habit of exercising every day. Right now in my life, I am accustomed to exercising every day.
In the first sentence, it is no longer true that you exercise every day. Maybe you only exercise two or three times a week, or maybe you don’t exercise at all. In any case, you don’t exercise every day anymore.
In the second sentence, you are focusing only on what you are in the habit of doing now. This type of sentence only shows your present habits.
To sum up, the first sentence shows past habits, and the second sentence shows present habits.
Difference in Grammar
- I used to exercise every day.
Subject + used to + base form of verb
I + used to + exercise
Other examples:
- She used to call more often.
- We used to eat dinner together every Saturday.
- They used to go to Italy regularly.
- I’m used to exercising every day.
Subject + be verb + used to + verb+ing (gerund)
I + am used to + exercising
Other examples:
- She’s used to getting up early. (She is used to getting up early.)
- We’re used to having a lot of homework. (We are used to having….)
- They’re used to cooking for themselves. (They are used to cooking…)
I hope this grammar post helps you understand the difference between these two structures. If you have any questions, comment below. Or maybe you want to share your own solutions to other little grammar problems.
AES English 