Get used to

Form

get used to + noun or gerund

Functions and examples

We use 'get used to' to say that an action or situation becomes less strange or new.
It took them a long time to get used to their new boss.
Have you got used to driving on the left yet?
She is getting used to waking up early for her new job.

See also: Be used to / Used to

Teaching Get used to

  Have you ever lived or worked abroad? If you have, you probably went through culture shock. I have spent a year teaching in Africa and two years teaching in Japan. I can tell you, it took me a long time to get used to some of the local customs.

(I then give some examples)
It was difficult getting used to having no electricity or running water when I was living in Africa.
In Japan, I had to get used to bowing all the time, every time I met another teacher or anyone to whom I had to show respect.
I had to get used to travelling in terribly crowded trains and being pushed on the train by a professional pusher with white gloves.
I had to get used to putting my hand in front of my mouth every time I smiled, as it is rude for women to show their teeth.
I had to get used to eating with chopsticks!

Students share their culture shock experiences. This can be widened to any new life experience, living alone after living with one's parents, moving from a village to a town, getting married, having a child. These can also be explored."
Delia

  You can teach "be used to" and "get used to" by talking about marriage and how it changes one's life. Show pictures representing the "habits" you have or had. E.g. I am used to getting up late, I'm not used to washing someone else's clothes, etc. Then, show what "new" things and activities they'll need to adapt to; for example "When you get married, you'll need to get used to your husband's habits"
Alfonso

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How do you teach get used to?

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