English grammar
Past Habits
How native speakers talk about things that were true or happened repeatedly in the past. "Used to" is the workhorse, but "would" for recurring past events and the "be/get used to" constructions for accustomed states are equally important, and frequently confused.
Textbook Past Habits
The standard forms taught in English courses worldwide, illustrated with real clips from native speakers, not invented examples.
Used To - Past Habits & States
used to + base verb
For past habits, repeated actions, or states that are no longer true. "I used to live in Paris." "We used to watch cartoons every Saturday." "She used to be a teacher." Always followed by a base verb, never a gerund.
Be Used To - Accustomed
am/is/are/was/were used to + -ing verb / noun
Expresses that something feels normal or familiar because of repeated exposure. Not about the past, but about accustomedness. "I'm used to the noise." "She's used to working late." "They were used to long trips." Followed by a gerund or noun, never a base verb.
Get Used To - Adapting
get/got/getting used to + -ing verb / noun
The process of becoming accustomed, adapting to something new. "I'm getting used to the cold." "You'll get used to it." "It took me a year to get used to the food." Followed by a gerund or noun.
Would - Recurring Past Actions
would + base verb (for past habits)
A more literary/nostalgic alternative to "used to" for repeated past actions, but only for actions, not states. "Every summer we would drive to the coast." "My grandfather would tell the same stories every Christmas." Cannot describe past states ("I would be tall" is wrong; use "I used to be tall").