A pond of frogs who had everything, and wanted a king.
Aesop’s Fables · Part 3 · Used to, be used to, get used to
The Frogs Who Wanted a King
They used to swim freely; they were used to the log; they got used to the new pond: the grammar of past habits and of familiarity, with some very discontented frogs.
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SOPHIA
DEMETRIA
That sounds like a terrible idea.
The fable
After Aesop
The frogs used to live freely in their pond. They didn’t use to have a king. But they grew bored, and asked Zeus for one. Zeus threw a great log into the pond. At first the frogs were terrified, but soon they got used to it, and sat on it every day.
Soon they were used to their quiet king, and they grew bored again. “We want a real king!” they cried. So Zeus sent them a Stork, who started to eat them one by one.
The frogs weren’t used to a king like that. “Take him away!” they cried. “You wanted a king,” said Zeus. “Now you have one.”
Better no king than a cruel one.
Used to: past habits
MARCOS
They used to swim freely. They didn’t use to have a king.
SOPHIA
used to + base verb = a past habit or state, not true now. Negative didn’t use to, question Did you use to…? (no -d after did). For repeated actions (not states), would also works: They would sing all night.
Be used to
DEMETRIA
They were used to sitting on the log. They weren’t used to a cruel king.
SOPHIA
be used to + noun / -ing = be familiar with, find it normal. Here to is a preposition, so -ing: I’m used to getting up early.
Get used to
PHILO
They were scared, but they soon got used to it. The Frog is getting used to the new pond.
SOPHIA
get used to + noun / -ing = become familiar with something new, gradually. You’ll get used to it.
Sophia’s summary
| Form | Use | From the fable |
|---|---|---|
| used to + base verb | past habit or state | They used to swim freely. |
| didn’t use to / Did … use to? | negative and question | They didn’t use to have a king. |
| would + verb | repeated past actions | They would sing all night. |
| be used to + noun / -ing | familiar, normal | They were used to sitting on the log. |
| get used to + noun / -ing | becoming familiar | They soon got used to it. |
Practice
Answer all the questions, then press “Check my answers”. You can try again as many times as you like.
A · Choose the best answer
Choose the right word.
1. I ___ live in Rome, but now I live in Madrid.
2. She is used to ___ early.
3. ___ you use to play the piano?
4. It’s hard, but you’ll get used ___ it.
5. He ___ use to like vegetables.
6. I’m not used ___ such hot weather.
B · Complete the sentence
Write the missing word or words.
7. When I was a child, I to play in the river.
8. She is getting used to in a new city. (live)
9. They didn’t to have a king.
10. Are you used to on the left? (drive)
C · Right or wrong?
Is the sentence correct English?
11. “I am used to get up at six.”
12. “We used to have a dog.”
13. “Did you used to live here?”
Now be a Frog yourself. Will you be careful what you wish for?Play the gamebook →