The “Be Used To + Gerund” structure is a crucial grammatical pattern that frequently appears in IELTS exams. It’s essential for expressing familiarity or habituation to situations or actions. Let’s dive into how mastering this structure can boost your IELTS performance.
Understanding “Be Used to + Gerund”
“Be used to + gerund” is used to describe actions or situations that have become familiar or normal for someone. It’s different from “used to + infinitive,” which describes past habits. Here are some examples:
- “I am used to waking up early.” (This is normal for me now)
- “She is used to working long hours.” (She’s accustomed to this)
- “They are used to living in a busy city.” (It’s not strange for them anymore)
In these sentences, the gerund (waking, working, living) represents the action or situation that has become familiar.
Be Used to Gerund Concept
Grammar Formula and Structure
The basic structure is:
[Subject] + [be] + used to + [gerund]
- The “be” verb changes according to the subject and tense.
- “Used to” remains unchanged.
- The gerund is the -ing form of the verb.
Examples:
- I am used to studying late at night.
- He was used to commuting for two hours.
- They will be used to living abroad after a few months.
Application in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing, using “be used to + gerund” can demonstrate your grasp of complex grammatical structures. Here’s how you can incorporate it:
Task 1 (Academic)
When describing trends or changes over time:
“By 2010, consumers were used to shopping online, leading to a sharp decline in traditional retail sales.”
Task 2
When discussing societal changes or personal experiences:
“In modern society, people are increasingly used to relying on technology for daily tasks, which has both positive and negative implications.”
IELTS Speaking Examples
In the Speaking test, this structure can help you express personal experiences fluently:
Examiner: “Do you find city life stressful?”
Candidate: “Not really. I’ve lived in London for five years now, so I’m used to dealing with the hustle and bustle. At first, the noise and crowds were overwhelming, but now I’m used to navigating busy streets and using public transport during rush hour.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Confusing “be used to” with “used to”:
Incorrect: “I used to living in a small town.”
Correct: “I am used to living in a small town.” -
Forgetting the gerund:
Incorrect: “She is used to work late.”
Correct: “She is used to working late.” -
Using the wrong form of “be”:
Incorrect: “They is used to traveling a lot.”
Correct: “They are used to traveling a lot.”
To avoid these errors, always remember that “be used to” requires a gerund and the appropriate form of “be” for the subject.
Advanced Usage for Higher Band Scores
To aim for higher band scores (7+), try combining “be used to + gerund” with other advanced structures:
-
Conditional sentences:
“If I were used to speaking in public, I wouldn’t be so nervous about the presentation.” -
Perfect tenses:
“By the time I graduate, I will have been used to writing academic papers for four years.” -
Passive voice:
“In some cultures, children are used to being given more independence from a young age.”
These combinations demonstrate a high level of grammatical control and can positively impact your IELTS scores.
IELTS Writing Task
Practicing “Be Used to + Gerund” for IELTS
To internalize this structure, try these exercises:
- Journal about your daily routines using “be used to + gerund”.
- Describe how your life has changed over the years, focusing on what you’ve become accustomed to.
- Practice speaking about cultural differences, using this structure to compare habits in different countries.
Remember, the key to mastering “be used to + gerund” is consistent practice and application in various contexts.
Conclusion
Mastering “be used to + gerund” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections. It allows you to express familiarity and adaptation eloquently, which is particularly useful when discussing personal experiences, societal changes, or comparing different lifestyles. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, incorporate this structure into your practice regularly. You might encounter questions about adapting to new environments, technological changes, or cultural differences where this structure would be particularly relevant and impressive to use.
For further improvement in your IELTS grammar skills, you might also want to explore related structures such as “be focused on + noun/gerund” and “be adept at + noun/gerund”, which can complement your use of “be used to + gerund” and provide more variety in your language use.
