Dramatic vs Tragic

When Should We Use Dramatic and When Should We Use Tragic? The words dramatic and tragic are very different in English but are often confused by learners (particularly those who speak Dutch).  Both words come from Latin & the world of theatre (i.e. tragic drama). Dramatic Meaning:  1. exciting, impressive, surprising.    2. sudden.  Dramatic is the adjective of the noun drama which means a … Read More

ARGUE or DISCUSS

What’s the difference between ARGUE and DISCUSS? When we use the verb argue, we mean that we have a fight with words.  You can also say to have an argument with someone. When we use the verb discuss, we mean that we have a conversation with someone about a serious topic. DON’T MAKE THESE COMMON MISTAKES ✅ Don’t argue about … Read More

CONFUSING VERBS

Lay / Laid / Lie – Confusing VERBS at C1 or Advanced Level of English These 3 irregular verbs are very similar in meaning and also have similar past participles.  Read the explanation to uncover the differences below. Verb to lay – takes a direct object (lay something down) Meanings: (a.) to careful put something in position, (b.) to reproduce … Read More

CONFUSING WORDS / FALSE FRIENDS IN ENGLISH (PEOPLE)

STRANGER or FOREIGNER A stranger is a person that you have never met before. Example: My mother always told me that I shouldn’t talk to strangers. A foreigner is a person who is not in their home country. Example: An Italian living in France is a foreigner. Pay ATTENTION to the pronunuciation of the word foreigner BrE /ˈfɒrənə(r)/ An acquaintance … Read More

TO MEET, TO KNOW, TO GET TO KNOW

TO MEET, TO KNOW, TO GET TO KNOW – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? The verbs ‘to meet’ and ‘to know’ are often confused by foreign speakers of English.  The two verbs have different meanings in English and can be confusing if used incorrectly. TO MEET We use the verb to meet when: we are introduced to someone for the first time.  … Read More

SENSITIVE vs. SENSIBLE

When Should You Use Sensible and When Should You Use Sensitive? Sensible and sensitive are adjectives which are often confused by students of English.  The two words have distinct meanings in English and will often lead to confusion if used incorrectly. SENSIBLE Meaning:  able to use reason, logic and experience to make decisions and judgements; practical.    In English when … Read More