What is the difference between 'used to', 'be used to', and 'get used to'?

These three phrases look similar but mean completely different things.

• "I used to smoke." (I smoked in the past, but I don't now)
• "We used to live in Paris." (We lived there before, but not now)
• Refers to something that was regularly true in the past but has changed.

• "I'm used to the cold." (The cold is normal for me, I'm accustomed to it)
• "She's used to working late." (This is normal for her)
• "Are you used to the new system yet?" (Has it become familiar?)
• Talks about familiarity or accustomisation - something that was once strange but isn't anymore.

• "I'm getting used to the cold." (I'm in the process of acclimatising)
• "You'll get used to it." (You'll adapt over time)
• Talks about the change - moving from "strange" to "familiar."

• Used to: past habit → not anymore
• Be used to: already familiar → accustomed now
• Get used to: becoming familiar → in progress

Most common mistake: Using "used to" for a current situation. "I am used to work early" ✗ → "I am used to working early" ✓ (note: "be/get used to" needs - ing, not infinitive)

Tags: grammar, tense, verb forms, common mistakes, intermediate English