Used to vs. Be/Get used to – English Grammar Exercises for B2
Read this tech blogger’s review regarding a highly controversial user interface (UI) update on a popular social media app. Choose the best option (A, B, C, or D) to complete each sentence. Pay close attention to whether the blogger is describing an obsolete app feature, a deeply ingrained user habit, or the frustrating process of relearning how to navigate the app.
1 “Millions of active users ______ finding the ‘Like’ button on the bottom left, so moving it to the top right has caused massive outrage online.”
(A) are used to
(B) used to
(C) use to
(D) get used to
2 “In the previous version, we ______ swipe down to refresh the main feed, but this update has completely removed that intuitive gesture.”
(A) used to
(B) were used to
(C) got used to
(D) use to
3 “I completely understand the frustration in the comments. It will definitely take weeks for muscle memory to ______ navigating this hidden gesture menu.”
(A) get used to
(B) used to
(C) be used to
(D) get use to
4 “The developers forced the ‘Dark Mode’ to be on permanently. Even after testing it for a week, my eyes still ______ the high-contrast text on the black background.”
(A) aren’t used to
(B) didn’t use to
(C) don’t get used to
(D) aren’t used for
5 “Let’s be honest, how often ______ tap the center icon by accident before the developers finally deleted it in this patch?”
(A) did you use to
(B) did you used to
(C) were you used to
(D) do you use to
6 “Despite the current backlash, human muscle memory is highly adaptable. I predict that everyone ______ the new interface by next month.”
(A) will get used to
(B) will used to
(C) will be used with
(D) gets used to
7 “The app is now flooded with aggressive pop-up advertisements. We ______ see so much sponsored content directly in our private chat windows.”
(A) didn’t use to
(B) didn’t used to
(C) weren’t used to
(D) aren’t use to
8 “The new search bar is located at the very bottom. As someone with small hands, I finally ______ holding my phone differently just to reach it.”
(A) have got used to
(B) used to
(C) got used for
(D) have used to
9 “If you want to keep using this platform, you simply have to ______ swiping left to close the camera, because the familiar ‘X’ button is gone forever.”
(A) get used to
(B) used to
(C) get used to swipe
(D) be used to
10 “Looking back at the 2020 version, I really ______ the minimalist design. Now, the home screen is just a chaotic mess of colorful widgets.”
(A) used to love
(B) got used to loving
(C) was used to love
(D) use to love
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (A) are used to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Are used to + V-ing” describes the users’ current state of deep-rooted comfort and expectation. They expect the button to be on the left because it is their ingrained habit right now.
- Error Analysis: (B) used to is the Common Mistake, placing the habit in the dead past, which weakens the argument about why users are currently angry. (C) use to is a Spelling/Structural Error. (D) get used to is a Meaning Trap (it refers to the process of adapting, but the sentence describes an established baseline habit).
2 (A) used to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Used to + base verb (swipe)” describes an obsolete past capability or habit from the old version of the app that is no longer possible.
- Error Analysis: (B) were used to is a Structural Error (requires a gerund/V-ing, not the base verb ‘swipe’). (C) got used to is a Meaning Trap (focuses on the process of adapting to the old swipe gesture, rather than simply stating it as a broken past feature). (D) use to is a Spelling Error (missing ‘d’).
3 (A) get used to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Get used to + V-ing” refers to the process of adapting to a new reality. “Take weeks to” perfectly sets up a transitional period of learning.
- Error Analysis: (B) used to is the Common Mistake/Tense Error. (C) be used to is a Meaning Trap (“be used to” means the adaptation is already 100% complete; you cannot “take weeks to be used to” something, you “take weeks to get used to” it). (D) get use to is a Spelling Error.
4 (A) aren’t used to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Aren’t used to + Noun” describes the blogger’s current state of discomfort. Even after a week, the dark mode still feels weird to their eyes today.
- Error Analysis: (B) didn’t use to is the Common Mistake, misapplying the past habit structure to describe a present feeling of visual strain. (C) don’t get used to is a Tense Error (present simple doesn’t work for describing an ongoing state of unreadiness). (D) aren’t used for is a Preposition Error.
5 (A) did you use to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): To ask a question about an obsolete past mistake (tapping the icon before it was deleted), the correct formula is “Did + subject + use to + base verb”.
- Error Analysis: (B) did you used to is the Common Mistake (retaining the ‘d’ after the past auxiliary ‘did’). (C) were you used to is a Structural Error (requires V-ing) and a Meaning Trap. (D) do you use to is a Tense Error.
6 (A) will get used to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Will get used to + Noun” acts as a prediction that the frustrating learning curve will eventually end in success for the user base.
- Error Analysis: (B) will used to is the Common Mistake (incorrectly combining the future auxiliary ‘will’ with the past form ‘used to’). (C) will be used with uses the wrong preposition (‘with’ instead of ‘to’). (D) gets used to is a Tense Error (missing ‘will’ for a future prediction).
7 (A) didn’t use to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Didn’t use to + base verb” establishes a negative past reality. It shows that seeing ads in the chat was not a feature or habit in older versions of the app.
- Error Analysis: (B) didn’t used to is the Common Mistake (double past tense). (C) weren’t used to is a Structural Error (must be followed by V-ing, not the base verb ‘see’). (D) aren’t use to is a Spelling/Tense Error.
8 (A) have got used to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): The Present Perfect form “have got used to + V-ing” perfectly illustrates that after a period of struggle, the user has successfully completed the process of adapting their hand grip.
- Error Analysis: (B) used to is the Common Mistake (implies they formerly held it differently but don’t anymore, which contradicts the context). (C) got used for is a Preposition Error. (D) have used to is a Structural Error (missing ‘got’ or ‘been’).
9 (A) get used to
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Have to get used to + V-ing” is a strong necessity. The blogger is telling users that they are required to undergo the process of relearning how to close the camera.
- Error Analysis: (B) used to is a Tense Error/Common Mistake. (C) get used to swipe is a Structural Error (must be followed by the gerund ‘swiping’). (D) be used to is a Meaning Trap (you command someone to actively adapt/”get”, not to instantly exist in an adapted state/”be”).
10 (A) used to love
Explanation:
- Why it’s correct (The Key): “Used to + base verb (love)” is used to nostalgically recall an appreciation for the old UI that has been destroyed by the new update.
- Error Analysis: (B) got used to loving is a Meaning Trap (focuses on the process of adapting to love it, which ruins the simple nostalgic contrast). (C) was used to love is a Structural Error (requires V-ing). (D) use to love is a Spelling Error (missing the ‘d’).
GRAMMAR POINTS TO REMEMBER
When discussing product updates, software changes, or user behavior at the B2/C1 level, these grammar structures help articulate the exact stage of the user’s experience:
1 The Obsolete Feature (The Old Version): Used to + Base Verb
- Function: Describes how the app functioned in the past or how users formerly interacted with it before an update changed everything.
- Example: “You used to swipe right to reply.” (This feature is dead).
2 The Ingrained Habit (Current Expectation): Be (not) used to + V-ing / Noun
- Function: Describes what users currently expect. If they “are not used to” a new layout, it means their muscle memory is currently fighting the new design.
- Example: “I am not used to the new search bar yet.” (It currently feels unnatural).
3 The Relearning Process (Muscle Memory): Get used to + V-ing / Noun
- Function: Describes the mandatory journey of adapting. Tech reviewers use this to predict whether users will successfully learn the new interface over time.
- Example: “It takes a few days, but you will get used to the new gestures.” (The adaptation process will finish).