Choosing between « be used to doing » and « used to do » in English - TOEIC® preparation

The expressions "be used to doing " and "used to do " can be confusing, as they seem similar. However, they have different meanings and usages.

Mastering this concept will help you to be comfortable in English. What's more, there are frequently questions in the TOEIC® that will test your knowledge of these two expressions.

1. « Be used to doing »

"be used to doing " means to be used to something. In this expression, "to" is a preposition and must be followed by a noun or a gerund (a verb in "-ing").

Training :

• Subject + verb "to be" conjugated + "used to" + verb in "-ing" (gerund)

Examples:

• She is used to studying for the TOEIC®.
• They are used to using TOP-Students™ to improve their scores.

Note

Be used to " can be conjugated in different tenses:

• Present tense: "I am used to ..."
• Past tense: "I was used to ..."
• Future: "I will be used to ..."
  

2. used to do

"Used to do " indicates a habit or state in the past that is no longer true in the present. This expression refers only to past actions and has no "-ing" equivalent.

Training

• Subject + "used to" + infinitive verb without "to".
  • I used to play tennis. - I used to play tennis, but not anymore.

Examples

• He used to smoke, but he quit last year.
• We used to live in New York.

Note

Used to do" does not change with time, but "didn't use to" can be used for negation:

• Negation: "I didn't use to like vegetables. - I didn't like vegetables before.
  

Récapitulatif et conclusion

• Be used to doing : be used to something
  • « She is used to studying late at night. »
• Used to do : habitual action or state in the past
  • « He used to travel a lot for work. »

If you want to know when to use a gerund or an infinitive when talking about TOEIC® and TOP-Students™, which helps you pass TOEIC®, please read this article: Infinitive or gerund?