Learning English

What’s the difference between childish and childlike?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused by learners of English: childish and childlike. childish You say that someone is childish if you think they are behaving in a silly or immature way. Don’t be so childish. We were shocked… Read More

What’s the difference between bear and bare?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: bear and bare. bear Bear can be a noun or a verb. A bear is a large, strong wild animal with thick fur and sharp claws. The bear stood on its hind legs. If you bear a… Read More

What’s the difference between aloud and loudly?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: aloud and loudly. aloud If you read aloud a book or apiece of writing, you say the words while you are reading them. She read aloud to us from the newspaper. If you think… Read More

What’s the difference between alone and lonely?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: alone and lonely. alone If you are alone, you are not with any other people. I wanted to be alone. Lucy spends most of her time alone in the flat. Make sure that you… Read More

What’s the difference between affect and effect?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: affect and effect. affect Affect /əˈfekt/ is a verb. To affect someone or something means to cause them to change, often in a negative way. More than seven million people have been affected by… Read More

What’s the difference between accept and except?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: accept and except. accept Accept /əkˈsept/ is a verb. If someone offers you something and you accept it, you agree to take it. I never accept presents from clients. Your old clothes will be gratefully accepted… Read More

What’s the difference between borrow and lend?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: borrow and lend. borrow If you borrow something that belongs to someone else, you use it for a period of time and then return it. Could I borrow your car? I borrowed this book from the… Read More

What’s the difference between ashamed and embarrassed?

This week we are looking at two words which are sometimes confused: ashamed and embarrassed. ashamed If you are ashamed, you feel sorry about something you did wrong. He upset Dad, and he feels a bit ashamed. They were ashamed to admit that they had lied. Read More
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