general vocabulary 40 Confusing words & false friends
CONFUSING WORDS Confusing words are two or more words which have a similar meaning to each other but are used in a different way. OR Are related to the same topic, but have a different meaning. OR Look similar, but have a different meaning. FALSE FRIENDS False friends are words in English which have a similar-looking word in another language but which have a different meaning. Complete the following sentences with the appropriate word. 1.
action / activity The police took immediate ________________ when they realised the situation was getting out
of hand.
Economic __________________ stagnated as the recession took hold.
2.
advice / advise Can you __________________ me on the best course of action to take?
He offered me some excellent __________________ .
3.
affect / effect Cuts in spending will have a serious __________________ on the National Health Service.
The strike will seriously __________________ train services.
4.
appreciable / appreciative There is an __________________ difference between manslaughter and murder.
She was very __________________ of our efforts to help.
5.
assumption / presumption They raised taxes on the __________________ that it would help control spending.
It’s sheer __________________ for the government to suggest things have improved since they came
to power.
6.
avoid / prevent Rapid government reforms managed to __________________ a revolution taking place.
He’s always trying to __________________ taking a decision if he can help it.
7.
beside / besides The office is just __________________ the railway station.
__________________ their regular daytime job, many people do extra work in the evening.
For reference, see the
Easier English Dictionary for Students (978 0 7475 6624 3)
