“Get used to” is a common phrase in English, particularly useful for expressing the process of becoming accustomed to something new or different. This guide will delve into the intricacies of using “get used to” effectively, especially for achieving a Band 8 or higher in the IELTS exam. We’ll cover its meaning, grammatical structure, application in various IELTS sections, and potential pitfalls to avoid.
Let’s start with a few examples of how “get used to” might appear in an IELTS context:
- Speaking (Part 1): “I’m gradually getting used to the colder climate here in London.”
- Writing (Task 1): “The graph illustrates how people are becoming increasingly used to working from home.”
- Listening (Section 3): “The professor mentioned that students often struggle to get used to the demands of university life.”
In each example, “get used to” highlights an ongoing process of adaptation. Now, let’s analyze this structure further.
Understanding “Get Used To”
Meaning and Usage
“Get used to” implies becoming familiar and comfortable with something over time. It signifies a shift from unfamiliarity or discomfort to a state of acceptance or normalcy. This phrase proves particularly valuable when discussing experiences like:
- Cultural differences: Adapting to new customs, food, or social norms.
- Environmental changes: Adjusting to a different climate, living space, or routine.
- New skills or challenges: Becoming comfortable with a new job, academic environment, or personal goal.
Grammatical Structure
The typical structure of “get used to” is:
Subject + Get + Used to + Noun/Gerund
Get: This verb indicates the process of change. It can be used in various tenses (e.g., “getting used to,” “got used to,” “have gotten used to”) to express different time frames.
Used to: This part of the phrase remains constant. It’s crucial not to confuse it with “used to” (without “get”), which signifies a past habit or situation that no longer exists.
Noun/Gerund: This element represents what the subject is becoming accustomed to. It can be a single word or a phrase.
Applying “Get Used To” in IELTS
Writing Task 1
“Get used to” is valuable for describing trends and changes over time, especially in tasks involving line graphs, bar charts, or diagrams illustrating adaptation:
Example:
“The line graph depicts the percentage of people who own smartphones from 2000 to 2020. It is evident that while smartphone ownership was initially low, people gradually got used to the technology, leading to a sharp increase in ownership rates after 2010.”
Writing Task 2
This phrase can be incorporated into essays discussing personal experiences, cultural adaptation, or the impact of change:
Example:
“One significant challenge faced by immigrants is getting used to a new culture. This process involves adapting to different customs, social norms, and even everyday routines, which can be overwhelming at first.”
Speaking
Using “get used to” naturally in your speaking demonstrates fluency and vocabulary range:
Part 1:
Examiner: “Do you prefer living in a city or the countryside?”
You: “I grew up in a small town, so I’m still getting used to the noise and bustle of city life.”
Part 3:
“Technology is constantly evolving. Do you think it’s important for people to be adaptable and get used to new things quickly?”
Listening
Be prepared to hear “get used to” in various contexts throughout the listening test. Pay attention to how it’s used to express adaptation or the lack thereof.
Mastering “Get Used To” for a Higher Band Score
- Vary your tenses: Show mastery by using different tenses with “get used to” (e.g., present continuous, past simple, present perfect) to convey the appropriate time frame.
- Use synonyms: While “get used to” is useful, consider synonyms like “adjust to,” “become accustomed to,” or “adapt to” for variety.
- Provide context: Don’t just state that someone is “getting used to” something. Elaborate on the challenges or ease of the process, and what helped them adapt.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Confusing “used to” and “get used to”: Remember, “used to” refers to a past state, while “get used to” implies an ongoing process.
- Incorrect preposition: Always use “to” after “get used.”
- Overusing the phrase: While useful, don’t overuse “get used to.” Incorporate synonyms and varied sentence structures for better flow and vocabulary range.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “get used to” is a small step with significant impact on your IELTS performance. By understanding its nuances, practicing its application, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well-equipped to express adaptation effectively and achieve your desired band score. Remember, practice makes perfect! So, continue incorporating this versatile phrase into your IELTS preparation and watch your confidence soar.