CONFUSING WORDS

1. MAKE & DO

Make: Creation of a physical object, an action/reaction, a sound/speech or food.

Example: I am making my breakfast now.

Do: Jobs or activities with “anything” or “something” also indicates generic action.

Example: Some parents think students do not need to do homework.

2. SAY & TELL

Say: A verb usually used without an object.

Example: The students knew what to say to his teacher.

Tell: Informs or instructs

Example: Tell him about the truth as soon as possible please.

3. STAY & REMAIN

Stay: an informal verb

Example: Don’t stay out too late.

Remain: used more in formal sense

Example: He remains loyal although his favourite football team lost.

4. SIT & SEAT

Sit: is a verb

Example: Please sit down.

Seat: is a verb and noun.

Example: Take a seat, please.

5. BORROW & LEND

Borrow: To take or accept something for a short time with the intention or return it to the rightful owner.

Example: May I borrow some money, please.

Lend: To give something for a short time with the intention of getting it back.

Example: Don’t worry I will lend you some money in case.

6. BREATH & BREATHE

Breath: is a noun. Air taken into the lungs and then let out

Example: When you are upset, take a deep breath.

Breathe: To inhale and exhale.

Example: Just calm down and breathe.

7. CACHE & CASH

Cache: A safe place to store supplies; anything stored or hidden in such a place.

Example: They found a cache with a lot of jewels.

Cash: Money, coins, bills, currency.

Example: You should pay in cash. They do not accept credit cards.

8. COMPLEMENT & COMPLIMENT

Complement: That which completes or brings to perfection; (verb) – to make complete.

Example: A red rose is a nice complement to your first dating dinner.

Compliment: Something said in admiration, praise, or flattery; (verb) – to pay a compliment to.

Example: My teacher always gives us nice compliments when we make a progress.

9. DESERT & DESSERT

Desert: (verb) – to forsake or abandon; to leave without permission; to fail when needed.

Example: The policeman should not have deserted his post that night.

Dessert: A sweet course served at the end of a meal.

Example: I prefer chocolate cake as my dessert after dinner.

10. REFUSE & DENY

Refuse: To decline, to accept/give unwillingness

Example: She refused to negotiate.

Deny: Declaring untruth, disagreement to withhold or disown something.

Example: They deny any responsibility for the tragedy.