Master everyday English by avoiding these common word mix-ups—practical tips and examples inside!
Why Vocabulary Mistakes Matter
Everyone makes vocabulary mistakes—beginners and even fluent speakers. Some words look or sound similar, but have very different meanings. Using the wrong word can confuse your listener or change your message completely.
This guide will show you the most common vocabulary mistakes English learners make, explain why they happen, and give you clear examples and memory tricks to help you avoid them.
Top 10 Common Vocabulary Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Borrow vs. Lend
Mistake: Can you borrow me your book?
Correct: Can you lend me your book?
✅ Borrow = to take something (temporary)
✅ Lend = to give something (temporary)
Memory tip: Borrow from someone. Lend to someone.
Practice:
-
I borrowed a pen from Sarah.
-
Sarah lent me her pen.
2. Fun vs. Funny
Mistake: The movie was so fun, I couldn’t stop laughing.
Correct: The movie was so funny, I couldn’t stop laughing.
✅ Fun = enjoyable
✅ Funny = makes you laugh
Memory tip: If you’re laughing, it’s funny. If you’re smiling, it’s fun.
Practice:
-
The rollercoaster was fun!
-
That comedian is really funny.
3. Say vs. Tell
Mistake: He said me that he was tired.
Correct: He told me that he was tired.
✅ Say = no object (He said something)
✅ Tell = needs an object (He told someone something)
Memory tip: Use “tell” with people.
Practice:
-
She said she was late.
-
She told me she was late.
4. Actually vs. Currently
Mistake: I’m actually working on a new project.
Correct: I’m currently working on a new project.
✅ Actually = in fact / to clarify
✅ Currently = now / at the moment
Memory tip: “Currently” means now, not “surprise”!
Practice:
-
I’m currently studying English.
-
I thought he was French, but he’s actually Belgian.
5. Do vs. Make
Mistake: She made her homework last night.
Correct: She did her homework last night.
✅ Do = tasks, work, jobs
✅ Make = create or produce something
Memory tip: “Do the job,” “make a cake.”
Practice:
-
I need to do the dishes.
-
Let’s make a plan for tomorrow.
6. Lose vs. Miss
Mistake: I lost the bus this morning.
Correct: I missed the bus this morning.
✅ Lose = something you had is gone
✅ Miss = you didn’t catch something (bus, event, opportunity)
Memory tip: “Miss a chance,” “lose your keys.”
Practice:
-
I lost my wallet.
-
I missed the meeting.
7. History vs. Story
Mistake: Tell me a history about your childhood.
Correct: Tell me a story about your childhood.
✅ History = real past events
✅ Story = events (real or imaginary) that are told
Memory tip: History is about the world; a story is about people.
Practice:
-
I love reading history books.
-
My grandpa told me a funny story.
8. Too vs. Very
Mistake: It’s too hot today, let’s go swimming!
Correct: It’s very hot today, let’s go swimming!
✅ Very = strong positive degree
✅ Too = more than necessary (usually negative)
Memory tip: If it’s “too” something, it’s a problem.
Practice:
-
It’s very cold in here.
-
It’s too cold to go outside.
9. Watch vs. See vs. Look
Mistake: I watched a strange man in the street.
Correct: I saw a strange man in the street.
✅ See = something comes to your eyes
✅ Look = direct your eyes
✅ Watch = look at something moving for a period of time
Memory tip: Use “see” for noticing, “look” for focusing, “watch” for time.
Practice:
-
I saw a bird fly by.
-
Look at this photo!
-
I love watching movies.
10. Advice vs. Advise
Mistake: She gave me a good advise.
Correct: She gave me good advice.
✅ Advice = noun
✅ Advise = verb
Memory tip: “Advice” is a thing; “advise” is an action.
Practice:
-
I need some advice.
-
Can you advise me on this?
📚 Vocabulary Recap Table
Incorrect Word Pair | Correct Usage Example |
---|---|
Borrow vs. Lend | Lend me your book, please. |
Fun vs. Funny | That joke was really funny. |
Say vs. Tell | He told me the truth. |
Actually vs. Currently | I’m currently working. |
Do vs. Make | I did my homework. |
Lose vs. Miss | I missed the train. |
History vs. Story | Tell me a story. |
Too vs. Very | It’s very hot. |
Watch vs. See vs. Look | Watch a movie, see a bird, look at me. |
Advice vs. Advise | He gave me advice. He advised me to go. |
-
Use the words daily – Make a sentence each day using one pair.
-
Make it personal – Connect words to your real life or interests.
-
Quiz yourself – Cover the examples and test your memory.
-
Use flashcards – Digital apps like Anki or Quizlet work great.
-
Teach someone else – Explaining helps you understand better.
✅ Try This Mini Practice Quiz
Choose the correct word:
-
I always (borrow/lend) books from the library.
-
This food is (very/too) spicy, I can't eat it.
-
She (said/told) me the news yesterday.
-
I (see/watch) TV before bed.
-
He gave me good (advice/advise).
Answers:
-
borrow
-
too
-
told
-
watch
-
advice
✍️ Your Turn!
Write 3 sentences using some of the word pairs you’ve learned. Try to use them in context with your own life. For example:
“I lent my friend a book last week.”
“I missed the last bus home.”
“He gave me great advice before the interview.”
🔁 Final Thought
Making mistakes is part of learning. But fixing common vocabulary mistakes will help you sound more natural, confident, and clear. Practice often, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make (and fix) mistakes.
Comments
Post a Comment