Words learners often misuse
actually, eventually, sensible, library, embarrassed, pretend, attend…
Many English words look like words in other European languages but mean something different. These are the ones that cause the most trouble.
| Word | Real meaning | Often confused with… |
|---|---|---|
| actually | in fact, really | «at present» → currently, at the moment |
| eventually | in the end, finally | «possibly» → possibly, perhaps |
| sensible | reasonable, practical | «emotional» → sensitive |
| library | a place to borrow books | «a shop selling books» → bookshop |
| embarrassed | ashamed, uncomfortable | «expecting a baby» → pregnant |
| to pretend | to act as if something is true | «to claim» → to claim |
| to assist | to help | «to be present at» → to attend |
| to attend | to be present at, to go to (a class) | «to wait» → to wait |
| lecture | a talk given to students | «the act of reading» → reading |
| sympathetic | showing understanding for someone's problems | «nice, likeable» → nice, friendly |
| nervous | anxious, worried | «angry» → angry, annoyed |
| preservative | a substance that keeps food fresh | «a contraceptive» → condom |
Test yourself
-
Which word means «at the moment»: actually or currently?
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currently -
Complete: I ___ the meeting yesterday. (was present at)
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attended -
What does «eventually» mean?
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in the end, finally -
Which word describes an emotional person: sensible or sensitive?
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sensitive