15 Confusing English Verbs and How to Use Them
English verbs can sometimes be tricky.
Even experienced learners can mix them up.
I will help you understand 15 commonly confused English verbs.
1. Lie vs. Lay
- Lie: To rest or recline.
Example: I lie on the bed when I’m tired. - Lay: To put something down.
Example: Please lay the book on the table.
2. Rise vs. Raise
- Rise: To go up on its own.
Example: The sun rises in the morning. - Raise: To lift something.
Example: She raised her hand to ask a question.
3. Borrow vs. Lend
- Borrow: To take something for a short time.
Example: Can I borrow your pen? - Lend: To give something for a short time.
Example: I will lend you my book.
4. Bring vs. Take
- Bring: To carry something toward a place.
Example: Bring your homework to class. - Take: To carry something away from a place.
Example: Take this box to your room.
5. Say vs. Tell
- Say: To speak words, usually without a specific listener.
Example: She said she was busy. - Tell: To give information to someone.
Example: Please tell me the truth.
6. Speak vs. Talk
- Speak: More formal, often one-sided.
Example: She speaks four languages. - Talk: More casual, often a conversation.
Example: We talked about the movie.
7. See vs. Watch
- See: To notice with your eyes.
Example: I saw a rainbow yesterday. - Watch: To look at something for a while.
Example: We watched a movie last night.
8. Look vs. Seem
- Look: To describe appearance.
Example: You look happy today. - Seem: To describe how something feels.
Example: It seems like it might rain.
9. Hear vs. Listen
- Hear: To notice a sound.
Example: I hear birds singing. - Listen: To focus on a sound.
Example: Listen to this beautiful song!
10. Learn vs. Study
- Learn: To gain knowledge.
Example: I learned a new word today. - Study: To focus on learning something.
Example: I studied English for two hours.
11. Win vs. Earn
- Win: To succeed in a competition.
Example: She won the race. - Earn: To get something through work.
Example: He earns money by teaching.
12. Throw vs. Toss
- Throw: To send something with force.
Example: He threw the ball hard. - Toss: To send something gently.
Example: Toss me the keys, please.
13. Teach vs. Show
- Teach: To help someone learn.
Example: She teaches English at a school. - Show: To help someone see or understand.
Example: Can you show me how to use this app?
14. Set vs. Sit
- Set: To place something.
Example: Set the plates on the table. - Sit: To rest on a surface.
Example: Sit down and relax.
15. Start vs. Begin
- Start: More casual.
Example: Let’s start the meeting. - Begin: More formal.
Example: The ceremony will begin at 10 AM.
Final Tips
- Practice these verbs with sentences.
- Read and listen to English daily.
- Don’t worry about mistakes—they help you learn!
Which of these verbs do you find the hardest? Let me know in the comments!
Read more:
- How to speak English fluently
- A Guide to Improving Daily Communication
- Vocabulary Building Strategies
- Past Tense Questions and Answers
- English Speaking Basics: Use Simple English
