Common Mistakes
Fix the errors English learners make most: make vs do, say vs tell, and more.
What Is It?
Some mistakes appear again and again among English learners, often because of direct translation from the first language. This lesson collects the most frequent ones.
Why Do English Speakers Use It?
Fixing a handful of common errors makes a big difference to how fluent and confident you sound.
When to Use It
- Make vs do: make a decision, make a mistake; do homework, do a favor
- Say vs tell: say something; tell someone something
- Borrow vs lend: borrow from someone; lend to someone
- -ed vs -ing adjectives: I’m bored (feeling). The film is boring (cause).
When NOT to Use It
Don’t translate word for word. Learn natural word partners (collocations) as chunks: “take a photo”, not “make a photo”.
Sentence Structure
| Pair | Use for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| make / do | create / perform a task | make dinner / do the dishes |
| say / tell | words / words to a person | She said hi. / She told me a story. |
| bring / take | toward / away from the speaker | Bring it here. / Take it there. |
Grammar Rules
- Since + starting point; for + length of time.
- Actually means “in fact”, not “currently”.
- Fun (enjoyable) vs funny (makes you laugh).
- Lose (opposite of find) vs loose (not tight).
- Advice (noun) vs advise (verb).
Real-Life Examples
- Can you do me a favor?
- He told me the truth.
- Can I borrow your charger?
- The trip was really fun.
Common Learner Mistakes
- I am agree.I agree.
- She explained me the problem.She explained the problem to me.
- I have 25 years.I am 25 (years old).
Quick Memory Tip
Keep a “mistake notebook”. Each time you’re corrected, write the wrong and right versions and review them weekly.
Real Conversation
Monica: Can you lend me your notes? I missed the class.
Joe: Sure. The teacher said the test is next week. She told us to review Units 3 and 4.
Monica: Thanks, you’re doing me a huge favor!
Interactive Practice
Pick an answer to check your understanding.
Question 1 of 5
I need to ___ a phone call.
Question 2 of 5
I’m very ___ in learning Spanish.
Question 3 of 5
The film was so ___ that I fell asleep.
Question 4 of 5
Can I ___ your pen for a minute?
Question 5 of 5
Could you ___ me a favor?
Final Mini Quiz
One last check before you mark the lesson complete.
Which sentence is correct?
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