Confusing words & false friends Flashcards
Aboard
Abroad
More and more people go abroad for their holiday.
In 2002, she became the first woman to travel aboard the space shuttle Discovery.
Action
Activity
We decided to take immediate action when we realized there was a problem.
The environmental changes in the area are the result of human activity.
Advice
Advise
Can you advise me on the best course of action to take?
He offered me some excellent advice.
Affect
Effect
Diverting the course of the river will have a major effect on the local ecosystem.
Frequent traffic jams in the suburbs seriously affect journey times into the city.
Appreciable
Appreciative
Widening the road made an appreciable difference to the flow of traffic.
The applause at the end of the concert was warm and appreciative.
Avoid
Prevent
Rapid international action managed to prevent an environmental disaster from taking place.
There are areas in the city that are wise to avoid after dark.
Beside
Besides
The company’s main office is beside the railway station.
Besides their regular daytime job, many people do extra work in the evening.
Briefly
Shortly
Shortly before the earthquake began, many animals were seen to be behaving in an unusual
manner.
She spoke briefly but passionately about the need to help those in developing countries.
Canal
Channel
A canal system joined the two main rivers, which made transporting goods much quicker.
When television first became popular in the early 1950s, there was only one channel.
Conscientious
Conscious
Most people are conscious of the need to protect the environment.
Conscientious workers should be rewarded for their hard work.
Considerable
Considerate
In my opinion, some people are not very considerate of those around them.
A considerable amount of money was spent on developing the product.
Continual
Continuous
The computer system has given us continual problems ever since we installed it. Some days it works, other days it doesn’t.
The continuous noise from the new motorway has forced many people to move.
Control
Inspect
New teachers often find it difficult to control their classes.
Environmental health inspectors regularly inspect commercial kitchens for cleanliness, especially those in restaurants.
Criticism
Objection
I have no objection to people using their mobile phones on buses or trains.
Plans for the new stadium have attracted fierce criticism from local people.
Damage
Harm
Injury
He suffered a serious injury which needed immediate hospital treatment.
The low levels of dangerous chemicals in the river were enough to cause harm to aquatic life.
A lot of damage was caused to buildings along the coast during the storm.
During
For
While
The college closes for two weeks at the end of December.
He died while trying to cross the desert alone.
Many creatures stay underground during daylight hours.
However
Moreover
The plan was good in theory. However, in practice it was extremely difficult to implement.
The plan was excellent. Moreover, it was clear from the beginning that it was going to attract a
lot of interest.
Injured
Wounded
I believe that we should do more to help and support soldiers who have been wounded in combat.
Several workers were injured when the drilling platform collapsed.
Job
Work
Everybody has the right to a decent job with good pay.
During the economic recession, a lot of people found themselves out of work.
Lay
Lie
If you’re suffering from dehydration, you should drink plenty of water and sit or lie down for a while.
Before you begin the experiment, you should lay a large plastic sheet on the ground.
Look at
Watch
We need to watch the situation carefully over the next few weeks and see how things develop.
We need to look at the problem carefully and decide if there is anything we can do about it.
Loose
Lose
Some people are very competitive and hate to lose a game or competition.
The surface is mainly composed of loose soil and small stones.
Make
Cause
The noise from traffic outside the school can make it hard to hear what the teacher is saying.
Hurricanes cause widespread damage in urban areas.
Nature
Countryside
Thousands of nature lovers head for the national parks every weekend.
I’d rather live in the countryside than in a city.
Per cent
Percentage
It is a myth that only ten Per cent of Americans hold a passport.
Only a small percentage of land is privately owned.
Permission
Permit
I’m afraid we can’t permit photography in the museum.
We received permission to attend the meeting, as long as we didn’t interrupt.
Personal
Personnel
My own personal view is that professional football players are paid far too much.
The company was in trouble until there was a change of personnel on the management team.
Possibility / chance
We might go to Spain for our field trip. Another possibility is that we’ll go to Italy instead.
If we act now, we have a good chance of finding a cure for the disease.
Practice
Practise
It’s important to practise your English whenever possible.
I think I need more practice before I take the exam.
Priceless
Worthless
Priceless paintings by artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt should not be in the hands of private
collectors.
As inflation spiralled out of control, paper money suddenly became almost worthless.
Principal
Principle
Many people refuse to eat meat on principle.
She was appointed University principal in 2009.
The country’s principal food products are coffee and sugar.
I believe in the principle that healthcare should be free for everyone.
Problem
Trouble
At night, the streets are full of people fighting and generally causing trouble.
I was wondering if you could help me with a little problem I’m having.
Process
Procession
The highlight of the carnival is a huge procession along the town’s main street.
In some cases, applying for a visa can be a long and frustrating process.
Raise
Rise
As prices rise, demand usually drops.
In response to the oil crisis, most airlines had to raise their fares.
Remember
Remind
I can remember my first day at school really well.
Language teachers often remind their students that the best way to remember new words is to use them as much as possible.
Respectable
Respectful
We all listened in respectful silence as she outlined her plans for the museum’s future.
Everybody wants to bring their children up in a respectable neighborhood.
Tolerable
Tolerant
People need to be more tolerant of their neighbors, and not complain every time they make too much noise.
The local authorities say that the noise from passing trains is tolerable, but many living near the railway lines disagree.
Treat
Cure
Many hospitals are so understaffed that they are refusing to treat patients with minor injuries.
The new drug was unable to cure the disease, and hundreds died as a result.
