Through the years, all my English students get confused with the same words again and again. Here's a look at what they are, plus two tips for avoiding these common mistakes in writing and speaking English.
There are a lot of rules and exceptions to rules to learn in English. And English doesn't make it easy to learn.
On top of that, there are words that are easy to confuse. They can be prepositions, verbs, nouns, and more.
My favorite English grammar app, Grammarly, recently shared its list of top 30 words that people get confused about using. The words on Grammarly's list that personally I see my English students get most confused about are:
😐 Among/between
😐 Breath/breathe
😐 Empathy/sympathy
Not on the list, but also confusing for my English students are:
😐 At/in/on
😐 Borrow/lend
😐 Learn/teach
😐 Question/doubt
😐 Remember/remind
What else would you add to the list? 🤔
Over the next few weeks, I'll break down the differences between these words, providing tips for how you can easily remember so you stop making these common mistakes.
Now on to two tips for you for how you can improve your English right this very minute. You'll be speaking English like a native in no time with these tips.
Tip #1: Use a grammar app to avoid getting confused with English words
I highly recommend the Grammarly app for all people who write in English.
Whether you're an English learner or a native English speaker, this app is incredibly helpful in correcting your writing mistakes. It will identify misspelled words, grammar mistakes, pronunciation errors, and so much more.
It helps me every day with the numerous emails and posts that I write. It even corrected a mistake I made in this post right now!
The app is free and is super easy to install. You can use it on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone. You just can't go wrong with it helping you.
Tip #2: Join a group to practice English
In my private Facebook group for English learners, I'll share some tips to help you differentiate between these commonly confused words. Then you're sure to improve your English quickly.
Want to join me in the group? It's easy! Click now.
Jackie Donaldson is the founder and director of Amidon Studios Language Studies. She started Amidon Studios in 2017 after managing a language institute in Lima, Peru for six years. She's taught students from all over the world while living in Peru, Mexico, and the U.S. When she's not working or studying, you'll find her gardening, playing with her cat Frankie, swimming, baking, and exploring the globe.