Common Vocabulary mistakes (and How to fix them)

 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.

Common Vocabulary mistakes. Image by Englishconv.com

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.

🧠 Tips to Remember Vocabulary Long-Term

1. Use the words daily – Make a sentence each day using one pair.

2. Make it personal – Connect words to your real life or interests.

3. Quiz yourself – Cover the examples and test your memory.

4. Use flashcards – Digital apps like Anki or Quizlet work great.

5. Teach someone else – Explaining helps you understand better.

✅ Try This Mini Practice Quiz

Choose the correct word:

1. I always (borrow/lend) books from the library.

2. This food is (very/too) spicy, I can't eat it.

3. She (said/told) me the news yesterday.

4. I (see/watch) TV before bed.

5. He gave me good (advice/advise).

Answers:

1. borrow

2. too

3. told

4. watch

5. 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.