Is it Correct to Say ‘She is Used to Smoke a Cigarette Per Day’?

Understanding the correct usage of verbs and phrasal verbs is essential for clear and effective communication. Let's explore the mistake in the statement ‘she is used to smoke a cigarette per day’ and the proper ways to express different meanings.

Grammatical Correctness

If you encounter the sentence 'she is used to smoke a cigarette per day' in a text, it grammatically makes no sense. The verb 'smoke' should be conjugated to fit the subject 'she' and the context of the sentence. The correct form can be found in two different but related expressions, as discussed below.

Expressing Past Habit

When you want to convey that someone had the habit of smoking a cigarette every day in the past, but no longer does, you should use the phrase 'she used to smoke a cigarette per day.' Here, 'used to' is a modal verb used to indicate a past habit that no longer exists.

Sentence: She used to smoke a cigarette per day.

Expressing Current Habit

If you want to express that someone is currently accustomed to smoking a cigarette once a day, you should say 'she is used to smoking a cigarette per day.' Here, 'used to' means 'accustomed to' and indicates a habit or routine that is currently being followed.

Sentence: She is used to smoking a cigarette per day.

Navigating Common Confusion

Many people find it confusing to differentiate between the two phrases, especially when the context seems ambiguous. However, understanding the underlying grammar and meaning can clarify these differences.

The key distinction lies in the conjugation of the verb 'smoke':

Used to: Indicates a past habit that no longer exists (past tense). Is used to: Indicates a current habitual behavior (present tense).

Additional Usage Examples

Here are a few examples to further illustrate the differences:

Expressing Past Habit

Example 1: If you are telling the story of someone's past behavior, you might say:

She used to smoke a cigarette every day before she quit because of her doctor’s advice.

Expressing Current Habit

Example 2: If you are describing a current habit of someone you know:

She is used to smoking a cigarette once a day to help her relax after work.

Avoiding Confusion with Similar Phrases

While 'used to' is the correct phrasing for both habits, it's important to note that it can be tricky to understand if you are not familiar with the nuances of English grammar. Here are a few commonly confused phrases and their correct usage:

Common Mistakes and Correct Phrasing

Mistake: She is used to fire a gun once a week.
Correct: She is used to firing a gun once a week.

Notice that in the correct phrase, the verb 'fire' remains in its infinitive form, as it is a direct object.

Conclusion

In summary, the statement 'she is used to smoke a cigarette per day' is incorrect. The correct usage varies based on whether you are referring to a past habit ('used to') or a current habit ('is used to'). Understanding the proper grammatical structure and meaning can greatly enhance your communication skills and ensure that your messages are clear and effective.