Language Practice

Upper-intermediate

Vocabulary    Intermediate 08 The Oscars

Easily confused words
advice (noun) – an opinion or a suggestion about what somebody should do in a particular situation
advise (verb) – to tell somebody what you think they should do in a particular situation
If you want my advice, I would advise you to apply for the job.
affect (verb) – to influence someone
effect (noun) – result of an action
The lecture will likely affect your opinion. It has an effect on most people who hear it.
beside (preposition) – next to
besides (preposition) – in addition
Besides being a delicious restaurant, it is located right beside my office.
borrow (verb) – temporarily take
lend (verb) – temporarily give
I will lend you half the money, but you will need to borrow the rest from someone else.
control (verb) – to have power over something or someone
manage (verb) – to succeed in doing something, especially something difficult
The situation is out of my control so I am not going to worry about it. I will manage.
especially (adverb) – very much; more than others
specially (adverb) – for a special purpose
Our dresses were specially designed for this wedding. They’re all beautiful, but especially the bride’s gown.
farther / further (adverb) – at a greater distance
further (adjective) – additional
I am not going to cycle because his house is much farther / further than I expected. It would take me
a further 30 minutes to get there.
fault (noun) – responsibility for a wrongdoing
mistake (noun) – an unintentional wrongdoing
The seating issue is my fault. I made a mistake when I was counting the chairs.
quiet (adjective) – not loud
quite (adverb) – to some degree; fairly
It isn’t quiet in this cinema. It’s actually quite loud!
loose (adjective) – not tight
lose (verb) – to be unable to find something
Those jeans are very loose on him. How much weight did he lose?
practice (noun) – repetition of a certain action in order to improve it
practise (verb) – to repeat a certain action in order to improve it
Be sure to practise everyday so that you will improve.
How much practice have you had already?
principal (adjective) – most important, main
principal (noun) – the person who is in charge of a college or school
principle (noun) – the moral rule or strong belief that influences your actions
Treating children respectfully is an important principle of this school. Our principal feels very strongly about it.