Confusing Words

'I'm not cheap, I'm thrifty.'

Connotations are a feeling or idea that is suggested by a particular word. They give us the emotional connection with words.

Words can be split into 'negative','positive' and 'neutral' connotations.

Let's take a look at some words that appear to be similar, but have connotational differences.

'Be careful that you don't make a mistake!'

'We took a taxi through New York.'

Let's take a look at two words which have the same pronunciation but different spellings and meanings. Try to remember these when you are writing in English:

'Take a break, Mr. Elephant!'

Collocations are groups of words that naturally appear next to each other in sentences.

For example, we say 'I have a headache' and not 'I take a headache' or 'I make a headache'.  Now you know 'have' always  collocates with 'headache'! Easy!

Try and and see if you can complete the sentences below using 'make','take' or 'have'.

'My holiday was relaxing. I felt really relaxed.'

'There goes your brother.'

English learners (and native English speakers) can get confused by these two words as they have the same pronunciation, but different spellings and meanings. Here's a review and a couple of hints to help you remember:

Their is a possessive adjective like 'her', 'his', or 'our'.

'Whose/who's bag is this?'