"use to" and "used to"

English grammar and usage issues

Moderator: Joe

RUdoniV
Member
Posts: 5
Joined: 13 Aug 2012, 12:07
Status: New Teacher

"use to" and "used to"

Unread post by RUdoniV »

I am a new TEFL teacher in Sankt Peterburg, Russia. Our class has been learning "use to", and "used to". A student emailed me with this sentence he found and wanted to know if it is correct; "I get use to watching TV." I am unsure but I thought "use to" and "used to" were for uses in the past. Please clarify. Thank you!
User avatar
Joe
Admin
Posts: 209
Joined: 15 Dec 2010, 08:53
Status: Other

Re: "use to" and "used to"

Unread post by Joe »

Your student's sentence is not quite right. It should be something like:

I get used to watching TV. (note used not use)

Actually, although this is now grammatically correct, it is not very idiomatic or probable. The present continuous would more likely be used:

I am getting used to watching TV.

This structure can be used in any tense, for example:

You will get used to watching TV.
He got used to watching TV.
They were getting used to watching TV.


The above structure (to get used to [doing] something or to be used to [doing] something should not be confused with used to do.

"Used to do" or "Be used to" Quiz

This Worksheet may be helpful.
RUdoniV
Member
Posts: 5
Joined: 13 Aug 2012, 12:07
Status: New Teacher

Re: "use to" and "used to"

Unread post by RUdoniV »

Thank you. It is exactly the answer I was looking for. I was thinking the same thing but wanted to verify the answer with a more experienced teacher. Again, thank you!
Alex Case
Top Contributor
Posts: 539
Joined: 17 Aug 2007, 01:53
Status: Teacher

Re: "use to" and "used to"

Unread post by Alex Case »

There basically isn't a "use to" structure, it is only used in the negative and questions of "used to" sentences, and not similar structures like "get used to" and "be used to", e.g.

used to - didn't use to - Did you use to?

got used to - didn't get used to/ haven't got used to - Did you get used to?/ Have you got used to?

The additional difficulty is that "use to" and "used to" sound identical in rapid speech because (especially final) d and t are such similar sounds.
Post Reply