"to be used to"

Arabica · Post by **Arabica** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 1:38 pm

Hi!

I'm teaching adults in Japan, and need to teach a lesson on "to be useed to" (eg. I am used to eating Sushi). Does anyone have any tips, or lesson plans, it seems to be a particularly tricky area for my students.

Thank s

JapanG · Post by **JapanG** » Wed Aug 31, 2005 5:28 pm

I have taught this lesson many times and I have found that giving a lot of examples makes it easy to understand. Like I was born in Hokkaido so I am used to the cold, I lived in Japan a long time so I am used to using chopsticks etc. The point of emphasis should be on I am used to vs. I used to (past experience or state not true today). I usually give a situation like "I am used to loud music..." and make them finish the sentance or "I lived in America so I am used to..." This usually draws the point home.

Arabica · Post by **Arabica** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:27 am

Thanks for the ideas, - I was wondering whether it would clarify or confuse the issue to introduce "I used to..." in the same lesson.

JapanG · Post by **JapanG** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 4:56 pm

It could be confusing if they dont know that grammar before. If your students are at a decent level, they should know "I used to" sentances but if you are not sure I would just give 2 lessons on the 2 different grammar points. I would suggest skipping the "I would" as aposed to "I used to" for example "When I was young, I would go down to this river to catch fish." Or "I used to go down to this river to catch fish." The "I used to" for past experience is more flexible but many books teach both at the same time which is confusing. If you think it may still be difficult for your students, just stick with the "I am used to" structure and teach the other later. Hope that helps and doesnt sound too confusing to you!