Getting Used to ChangesPlay Audio

When Galinka first went to her in-laws' house, she wasn't used to working at all. In fact, she had never worked a day in her life. So she began her married life by spending her days as she had grown accustomed to spending them: sleeping until noon, walking in the garden and lying in the soft grass, eating whenever she pleased, and having her supper served to her in the evening. However, when she sat down at the table that first night, her father-in-law didn't allow her to eat anything because she hadn't cleaned the house, filled the water buckets, or even lit the fire. Galinka wasn't used to being treated this way, so she flew off to bed in tears. On the third day, Galinka finally realized she had to get used to helping out or she'd die of hunger. Even though she wasn't used to working in the fields or doing housework, she would have to earn her bread at her father-in-law's house.

Grammar Points

• To be used to means to be accustomed to. These two synonymous verb phrases can be followed by a noun or a gerund. Study these examples:
  • Galinka was used to sleeping until noon. (to be used to + gerund)
  • She wasn't accustomed to hard work. (to be accustomed to + noun)
    
    
• To get used to means to become familiar with. This verb phrase can be followed by a noun or a gerund. Study these examples:

  • Galinka had to get used to getting up early. (to get used to + gerund)
  • She had to get used to hard work. (to get used to + noun)

  
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