Cool MateGetting the hang of this vs Getting used to
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Getting the hang of this
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Getting used to
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Getting used to
| Getting the hang of this | Getting used to | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈɡɛtɪŋ ðə hæŋ əv ðɪs//🇺🇸 //ˈɡɛtɪŋ ðə hæŋ əv ðɪs// | 🇬🇧 //ˈɡɛtɪŋ juːzd tuː//🇺🇸 //ˈɡɛtɪŋ juːzd tu// |
| Meaning | Learning how to do something well | becoming familiar with something new |
| Example | I'm finally getting the hang of this new software. | I'm still getting used to the new software. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | getting the hang of something, getting the hang of it, getting the hang of a skill | getting used to change, getting used to new routines, getting used to the environment |
| Antonyms | struggling, failing | not used to, unfamiliar |
| Common mistakes | Using the phrase in a formal situation, Incorrectly using it with a noun instead of a phrase, Confusing it with 'getting a hangover' | Confusing with 'used to' — 'getting used to' means adapting, while 'used to' refers to past habits., Omitting 'to' after 'getting used' — it's necessary to include this word., Using incorrect verb forms after 'to' — must follow with noun or gerund. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations. It's not suitable for formal writing or professional contexts. | Used when someone is adjusting to a new situation. It's neutral and suitable for most contexts, but avoid in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Getting the hang of this vs Getting used to
What's the difference between Getting the hang of this and Getting used to?
Getting the hang of this: Learning how to do something well Getting used to: becoming familiar with something new
Which is more formal: Getting the hang of this and Getting used to?
Getting used to is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Getting the hang of this: I'm finally getting the hang of this new software. Getting used to: I'm still getting used to the new software.
Can I use Getting the hang of this and Getting used to interchangeably?
Not always. Getting the hang of this and Getting used to are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.