False friends
Actual, eventually, sympathetic — English words your first language will mislead you about.
actual vs current
Actual means real or factual, while current means happening right now.
Something that is real or factual.
The actual cost of the renovation was much higher than the initial estimate.
Something happening or existing right now.
Our current office is too small for the growing marketing team.
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The current size of the room is smaller than it looks in photos.
The actual size of the room is smaller than it looks in photos.
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What is your actual address so I can mail the package today?
What is your current address so I can mail the package today?
Remember Actual = Fact. Current = Calendar.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I need the figures before I can finish the quarterly report.
- 2.
Under regulations, you must wear a helmet while riding a scooter.
actually vs currently
Actually corrects a false assumption; currently describes what is happening right now.
Used to state the truth or reality.
I thought the meeting was at noon, but it actually starts at one.
Used for things happening at this moment.
The doctor is currently seeing another patient, but she will be with you shortly.
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Currently, I don't like coffee, even though most people assume I do.
Actually, I don't like coffee, even though most people assume I do.
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I am actually working as a waiter until I find a job in my field.
I am currently working as a waiter until I find a job in my field.
Remember Actually = In fact. Currently = At present.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
People think he is shy, but he is quite talkative once you know him.
- 2.
We are updating our software to improve the user experience for everyone.
eventually vs possibly
Eventually means something will happen after a long time or a series of delays, while possibly means something might happen but is not certain.
in the end, after some time
It took three hours of searching, but we eventually found the hidden trail.
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I will possibly finish my degree next year after four years of study.
I will eventually finish my degree next year after four years of study.
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The train is eventually delayed, but we are not sure yet.
The train is possibly delayed, but we are not sure yet.
Remember Eventually = finally. Possibly = maybe.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
If you keep practicing every day, you will master the piano.
- 2.
It is the best meal I have ever eaten in this city.
eventually vs finally
Eventually describes a result that comes after a long or uncertain delay, while finally marks the last item in a sequence or a result achieved after specific difficulties.
after an unspecified amount of time
If you keep practicing every day, you will eventually become fluent in English.
the last step or after struggle
After three hours of technical delays, the plane finally took off for London.
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I waited for the bus for an hour and eventually it arrived.
I waited for the bus for an hour and finally it arrived.
Remember Eventually = In due time. Finally = At long last.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The rain stopped and the sun came out late in the afternoon.
- 2.
First we ate dinner, then we talked, and we went home.
assist vs attend
Assist means to help someone, while attend means to be present at an event.
to help or provide support
The new software will assist the team in managing their daily schedules.
to be present at an event
Most employees are required to attend the safety briefing on Monday morning.
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The nurse will attend you with your physical therapy exercises.
The nurse will assist you with your physical therapy exercises.
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I need to assist the meeting at three o'clock this afternoon.
I need to attend the meeting at three o'clock this afternoon.
Remember Assist = Aid; Attend = At the event.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A local guide was hired to the tourists with their heavy luggage.
- 2.
She was unable to the wedding because of a prior commitment.
realize vs realize
Realize means becoming aware of a fact or truth, not physically creating or making something real.
To suddenly understand or notice something.
I didn't realize the meeting had been moved to the second floor.
To achieve a goal or ambition.
The young athlete worked hard to realize her dream of winning gold.
Remember Realize = Recognize a thought.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She finally that her keys were still inside the locked car.
- 2.
They need more funding to the full potential of the project.
fabric vs factory
Fabric is the material used to make clothes, while a factory is the building where goods are manufactured.
cloth or textile material
This heavy denim fabric is perfect for making durable work trousers.
a manufacturing plant or building
The local car factory employs over two thousand people from the city.
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I need to buy some factory to make new curtains.
I need to buy some fabric to make new curtains.
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My uncle works as a manager in a large fabric.
My uncle works as a manager in a large factory.
Remember Fabric = Fiber. Factory = Facility.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She chose a soft silk for her wedding dress.
- 2.
They closed the old textile and moved production overseas.
lecture vs lesson
A lecture is a formal presentation delivered to an audience, while a lesson is a structured period of interactive instruction.
A formal talk given to students.
The professor delivered a fascinating lecture on quantum mechanics to the first-year students.
A period of teaching and learning.
My piano lesson is scheduled for three o'clock every Thursday afternoon.
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The guest speaker gave a lesson on international law in the main hall.
The guest speaker gave a lecture on international law in the main hall.
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I have a driving lecture at five o'clock today.
I have a driving lesson at five o'clock today.
Remember Lecture = Listening. Lesson = Learning by doing.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I missed the morning because my train was delayed by twenty minutes.
- 2.
The teacher prepared a practical to help us understand chemical reactions.
library vs bookshop/bookstore
A library provides books for temporary loan, while a bookshop or bookstore sells them for permanent ownership.
A place to borrow books for free.
I need to return these three novels to the library before they are overdue.
bookshop/bookstore
not English
A retail store where books are sold.
Remember Library = Loan. Bookstore = Buy.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The university offers a quiet space for students to study and research.
college vs university
College usually describes smaller institutions or undergraduate studies, while university refers to larger institutions that grant both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
A smaller school or undergraduate division.
She is currently applying to a small liberal arts college in Vermont.
A large institution with graduate programs.
The university offers doctoral programs in both physics and chemistry.
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I want to get a PhD at a small community college.
I want to get a PhD at a large research university.
Remember College is for the campus; university is for the research.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most students live in the dorms during their first year of .
- 2.
He works as a research professor at a major state .
career vs profession
Career is the total path of a person's working life, while profession is a specific occupation requiring advanced training or credentials.
The progression of your working life.
She decided to change her career after working in finance for ten years.
A job requiring specialized education.
The medical profession demands a high level of dedication and continuous study.
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I want to start a new profession in the technology sector.
I want to start a new career in the technology sector.
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She has been in the teaching career for over twenty years.
She has been in the teaching profession for over twenty years.
Remember Career is your journey; profession is your title.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Building a successful requires both hard work and a bit of luck.
- 2.
He is a member of the legal and works for a top firm.
resume vs resume
Résumé = CV; resume = begin again. In modern English, context and formatting usually distinguish them.
eventually vs actually
Eventually marks the end of a long process or delay, while actually introduces a fact that corrects a misunderstanding.
after a long time or delay
We waited for three hours, but the bus eventually arrived at the station.
the truth versus an assumption
I thought the meeting was at noon, but it actually starts at one.
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I have been studying for five hours and actually I finished my essay.
I have been studying for five hours and eventually I finished my essay.
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She looks young, but eventually she is over fifty years old.
She looks young, but actually she is over fifty years old.
Remember Eventually = Finally. Actually = In fact.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It took years of practice, but she became a professional concert pianist.
- 2.
People think he is shy, but he is very talkative once you know him.
sympathetic vs nice
Sympathetic describes a specific emotional response to another person's suffering, while nice describes a general pleasantness or agreeable character.
feeling or showing pity and sorrow
She was very sympathetic when I told her about my recent health problems.
pleasant, agreeable, or satisfactory
It was a nice gesture to bring flowers to the dinner party.
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He was very nice when my grandmother died and sent a card.
He was very sympathetic when my grandmother died and sent a card.
Remember Sympathetic = Sharing sorrow. Nice = General kindness.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The manager offered a ear to the employees facing redundancy.
- 2.
Our new neighbors seem very and invited us over for coffee.
pretend vs intend
Pretend is acting out a fiction; intend is planning a future reality.
to act as if something is true
The children like to pretend they are explorers in the deep jungle.
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She didn't intend to be sick, she just wanted to stay home.
She didn't pretend to be sick, she just wanted to stay home.
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I pretend to go to university next year if I pass.
I intend to go to university next year if I pass.
Remember Pretend is a play; Intend is a plan.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
He had to he was happy despite the disappointing news.
- 2.
I didn't to hurt your feelings with that comment.
comprehensive vs understandable
Comprehensive means including everything; understandable means easy to follow or grasp.
Including all necessary facts or details.
The insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage for all types of accidental damage.
Easy to perceive or follow clearly.
The instructions were written in simple, understandable language for the new users.
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The teacher gave a very understandable review that covered every single chapter.
The teacher gave a very comprehensive review that covered every single chapter.
Remember Comprehensive = Complete. Understandable = Clear.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We need a list of every student attending the field trip.
- 2.
His frustration is completely given the circumstances of the delay.
argument vs discussion
An argument involves conflict or a heated disagreement, while a discussion is a neutral exchange of ideas.
A heated disagreement or a logical case.
The neighbors had a loud argument about the fence late last night.
A conversation to exchange ideas or information.
We had a long discussion about where to go for our summer vacation.
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My parents had a long discussion and now they aren't speaking to each other.
My parents had a long argument and now they aren't speaking to each other.
Remember Argument = Anger. Discussion = Dialogue.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Her main was that the new policy would save the company money.
- 2.
The committee will hold a on the proposed budget changes tomorrow.
application vs appliance
Application is a formal request or a software program, while appliance is a physical machine used for household tasks.
A formal request or software program.
She submitted her job application to the human resources department yesterday morning.
A domestic machine or device.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a modern dishwasher and other appliances.
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I downloaded a useful appliance to help me edit my photos.
I downloaded a useful application to help me edit my photos.
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We need to buy a new washing application for the laundry room.
We need to buy a new washing appliance for the laundry room.
Remember Application = Software or Request. Appliance = Hardware for the home.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
This new mobile helps users track their daily water intake easily.
- 2.
You should unplug any small before you attempt to clean it.
resume vs résumé/CV
Resume is the verb for starting again; résumé or CV is the document for job applications.
résumé/CV
not English
a summary of professional history
Remember Resume = Restart. Résumé = Recruitment.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We expect the train service to normal operations by tomorrow morning.
location vs situation
Location is the physical spot where something sits, while situation is the set of circumstances or the state of affairs surrounding it.
a specific physical point or place
The GPS coordinates will help you find the exact location of the cabin.
the conditions or circumstances at a time
The financial situation improved after the company cut its monthly expenses.
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Please send me your situation so I can find the restaurant.
Please send me your location so I can find the restaurant.
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The economic location is getting worse because of rising inflation.
The economic situation is getting worse because of rising inflation.
Remember Location is where it is; situation is how it is.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
This quiet street is the perfect for a new coffee shop.
- 2.
We need to assess the before we make any final decisions.
lecture vs conference
A lecture is a single educational talk given by one person, while a conference is a large multi-day event featuring many speakers and sessions.
A single educational talk by one person.
The professor delivered a fascinating lecture on quantum physics to the first-year students.
A large event with many different sessions.
Hundreds of researchers gathered at the international conference to share their latest findings.
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The guest speaker gave a conference on Roman history that lasted for one hour.
The guest speaker gave a lecture on Roman history that lasted for one hour.
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I am attending a three-day lecture about climate change with five hundred other delegates.
I am attending a three-day conference about climate change with five hundred other delegates.
Remember Lecture = One speaker. Conference = Many speakers.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I missed the morning because my train was delayed by twenty minutes.
- 2.
She is busy preparing her presentation for the annual medical in Berlin.
recipe vs prescription
A recipe is for the kitchen; a prescription is for the pharmacy.
instructions for preparing a specific dish
She followed her grandmother's secret recipe to bake the perfect chocolate cake.
a doctor's written order for medicine
The doctor wrote a prescription for antibiotics to treat the ear infection.
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I lost the prescription for the soup I wanted to cook.
I lost the recipe for the soup I wanted to cook.
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The doctor gave me a recipe for some strong painkillers.
The doctor gave me a prescription for some strong painkillers.
Remember Recipe = Food. Prescription = Pharmacy.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
This simple pasta only requires five ingredients and ten minutes.
- 2.
You need to take this to the chemist to get your tablets.
sympathy vs empathy
Sympathy is feeling for someone; empathy is feeling with someone.
feeling pity or sorrow for others
I sent a card to express my sympathy after his father passed away.
sharing another person's internal emotional state
Counselors need deep empathy to understand what their clients are going through.
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I have never been divorced, so I have total sympathy for your situation.
I have never been divorced, so I have total empathy for your situation.
Remember Sympathy = Support. Empathy = Experience.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She felt a wave of for the refugees living in the camp.
- 2.
Having been broke himself, he had total for the struggling students.
argument vs quarrel
An argument can be a logical case or a disagreement, while a quarrel is always a heated, emotional conflict.
A reasoned case or a disagreement.
The lawyer presented a compelling argument for the defendant's innocence.
An angry, personal dispute or fight.
The neighbors had a long-standing quarrel over the height of the fence.
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The philosopher presented a brilliant quarrel for the existence of free will.
The philosopher presented a brilliant argument for the existence of free will.
Remember Argument = Logic or fight. Quarrel = Only a fight.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
They had a loud about who should pay the electricity bill.
- 2.
They patched up their and started speaking to each other again.
control vs command
Control is the ongoing power to manage or regulate a system, while command is the specific authority to give orders or direct others.
managing or regulating how something functions
The pilot struggled to maintain control of the aircraft during the heavy storm.
giving authoritative orders or holding rank
The officer will command the troops to advance toward the northern border.
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You need to command the temperature of the oven very carefully.
You need to control the temperature of the oven very carefully.
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The manager gave a control to the staff to finish the report.
The manager gave a command to the staff to finish the report.
Remember Control handles the machine; command orders the person.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Parents often find it difficult to their children's screen time at home.
- 2.
She has an excellent of the French language after living in Paris.
notice vs note
Notice is the act of perceiving something through the senses; note is the act of recording information or making a deliberate observation.
Becoming aware of something through observation.
Did you notice that the office lights were left on last night?
Recording information or paying specific attention.
Please note the new deadline for the project submission in your calendar.
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I didn't note that she had changed her hair color.
I didn't notice that she had changed her hair color.
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Please notice that the meeting has been moved to Room 4.
Please note that the meeting has been moved to Room 4.
Remember Notice is what you see; note is what you write.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I didn't the change in the schedule until this morning.
- 2.
The doctor made a quick about the patient's allergy in the file.
information vs news
Information is general data or knowledge, while news is specifically about recent events.
General facts or data about something.
The website provides detailed information about the local bus schedules.
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The library has a lot of news about ancient history.
The library has a lot of information about ancient history.
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I watched the information to see if it would rain tomorrow.
I watched the news to see if it would rain tomorrow.
Remember Information is data; news is the latest.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I need more before I can make a final decision.
- 2.
The evening covers all the major stories from today.
education vs upbringing
Education happens in a classroom or through study, while upbringing is the way parents raise a child at home.
Academic learning and formal schooling.
She moved to the city to pursue a better education in engineering.
Childhood treatment and family values.
His strict upbringing taught him the importance of discipline and hard work.
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My parents gave me a very religious education at home.
My parents gave me a very religious upbringing at home.
Remember Education is for the mind; upbringing is for the character.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The government is investing more money into primary school this year.
- 2.
Despite a difficult , she remained optimistic about her future.
study vs research
Study is the broad act of learning or examining a subject, while research is a systematic investigation to find new facts or reach new conclusions.
Learning or examining a specific subject.
She needs to study her notes for at least three hours before the final exam.
Systematic investigation to establish new facts.
The scientists are conducting research to find a more sustainable fuel source.
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I spent the whole weekend doing research for my history test on Monday.
I spent the whole weekend studying for my history test on Monday.
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The university is funding a new study into the causes of climate change.
The university is funding new research into the causes of climate change.
Remember Study to learn; research to discover.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The committee will the proposal before making a final decision next month.
- 2.
You should the company's history before you go in for the interview.
politic vs political
Politic describes a wise or tactful decision, while political describes anything related to government or power structures.
Acting with wise or shrewd caution.
It seemed politic to remain silent until the manager finished his angry rant.
Relating to government, parties, or power.
The candidate avoided answering questions about her controversial political past.
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It would not be political to ignore the CEO's direct request for information.
It would not be politic to ignore the CEO's direct request for information.
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The senator made a very politic speech about the new tax laws.
The senator made a very political speech about the new tax laws.
Remember Politic = Prudent. Political = Policy.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
A move at this stage would prevent further conflict with the board.
- 2.
We need a solution rather than a military one to end this crisis.
comic vs comical
Comic describes the genre or profession of comedy, while comical describes something that makes you laugh because it is funny or absurd.
Relating to the genre of comedy
The actor decided to take a comic role after years of doing serious dramas.
Funny, silly, or causing laughter
It was comical to see the giant dog trying to fit into the tiny bed.
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He is a very successful comical actor in Hollywood.
He is a very successful comic actor in Hollywood.
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The sight of the cat wearing a hat was absolutely comic.
The sight of the cat wearing a hat was absolutely comical.
Remember Comic = The Category. Comical = The Cause of laughter.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
She has a natural timing that makes her perfect for stand-up comedy.
- 2.
The misunderstanding led to a series of events at the office party.
childish vs childlike
Childish describes immature behavior that is annoying or inappropriate, while childlike describes positive qualities like innocence or wonder.
Immature or inappropriate for an adult.
His childish refusal to share the office supplies frustrated the entire team.
Innocent, trusting, or full of wonder.
She looked at the holiday lights with a sense of childlike wonder.
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The manager's childlike tantrums are making everyone want to quit.
The manager's childish tantrums are making everyone want to quit.
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It was refreshing to see her childish enthusiasm for the new project.
It was refreshing to see her childlike enthusiasm for the new project.
Remember Childish is bad; childlike is good.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Stop being so and just admit that you made a mistake.
- 2.
His trust in strangers sometimes makes his friends feel worried.
elderly vs old
Elderly is a polite, formal term for people in late life, while old is a direct, neutral descriptor for anything that has existed for a long time.
A polite way to describe seniors.
The community center offers several specialized programs for elderly residents in the neighborhood.
Having lived or existed for long.
My grandfather still drives his old truck to the market every Saturday morning.
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The government is increasing the pension for old people this year.
The government is increasing the pension for elderly people this year.
Remember Elderly = Respectful for people. Old = Direct for everything.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
We should ensure that citizens have easy access to public transportation.
- 2.
That building on the corner is being converted into modern apartments.
healthy vs healthful
Healthy describes the state of a living being, while healthful describes something that improves or maintains that state.
possessing or showing good physical condition
The doctor was pleased to see that the patient remained healthy after the surgery.
conducive to or promoting good health
Adding more leafy greens to your diet is a healthful choice for long-term wellness.
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The nutritionist recommended a healthy diet of whole grains and fresh fruit.
The nutritionist recommended a healthful diet of whole grains and fresh fruit.
Remember Healthy is how you feel; healthful is what the food does.
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most people need regular exercise and enough sleep to stay and alert.
- 2.
The retreat offers meals designed to improve the guests' overall nutrition.