Get used to it

If you ‘get used to’ something or someone, you become more and more familiar or accustomed to it. Often people use ‘get used to’ when they didn’t like something before, or didn’t know how to feel about something before, but as time passes they become less and less bothered by that person or thing. They may even come to like that person or thing.

Pattern 1: getting used to
This pattern is used when a speaker is going through a transition and is adapting.

Examples
I didn’t really understand his accent when I first met him, but after living next door for three years, I’m getting used to it.

I didn’t really know what to do when I first played Ultimate*, but I’m getting used to playing it now.
*Ultimate = Ultimate Frisbee; A sport (What is Ultimate Frisbee? There is an ultimate Frisbee league in Halifax, check out their site here!)

I felt very cold when I moved here from Jamaica, but I’m getting used to the weather now.

When I first threw a forehand Frisbee pass, it felt very strange, but I’m getting used to it now.

Pattern 2: have got/gotten* used to
This pattern tells the speaker that the transition period is over and that the speaker has fully adapted.

Either ‘got’ or ‘gotten’ can be used because English has two past participles-got and gotten.

I felt very lonely when I first moved out on my own, but I’ve gotten used to it and really like living on my own.

I could barely wake up in time to make it to work when I started this job, but I’’ve gotten used to it.
‘the hours’ = the time you work

I couldn’t stand* my boss when he took over** our department, but now I’ve gotten used to him, and he’s really quite a nice guy underneath the personality he projects.
* couldn’t stand = hate, hate to be near
to take over = to take control of

Note: a North American native speaker will sometimes omit ‘have’ if s/he uses ‘got’. Expressions with ‘have’ and those that omit ‘have’ are both common.
Ex.
I got used to it and I’ve got used to it

Ask your partner/penpal these questions.

What is something that took a while for you to get used to?
Sample answer: It took me a while to get used to being married.

When you get married, what will be the most difficult thing about you for your spouse to get used to?
Sample answer: I think it will difficult for my wife to get used to my snoring.

What is something that you are getting used to now?
Sample answer: I’m getting used to my new boss.

What is something that you’ve gotten used to in the past?
Sample answer: I’ve gotten used to working for too little pay.

Make up your own question