Unit 7A: Verbs Often Confused

realize (v)

Definition: To understand or become aware of a particular fact or situation. It is a cognitive event, something which involves thinking about a situation. | Example: Did you realize what time it was when you came in? (That is, did you understand that you were late?)

notice (v)

Definition: To see, hear or become aware of something. It is more of a physical event in which something comes to our attention through our senses. | Example: Did you notice what time it was when you came in? (That is, did you happen to see the clock?)

rise (rose - risen) (v)

Definition: To go up. It is an intransitive verb, that is, it doesn’t require an object. | Example: The water level in the river is rising.

raise (raised - raised) (v)

Definition: To make something go up. It is a transitive verb, that is, it requires an object to cause the motion. | Example: Don't raise your voice when you are having an argument.

avoid (v)

Definition: To try not to do something. | Example: We took the freeway to avoid getting stuck in downtown traffic.

prevent (v)

Definition: Stop something from happening. | Example: There is a new road safety campaign to prevent accidents.

argue (v)

Definition: To speak angrily to somebody. | Example: Teenagers often argue with their parents.

discuss (v)

Definition: To have a conversation about something; to talk over. It is more neutral and less hot-headed, in many circumstances. | Example: I think we need to discuss our new marketing plan.

remember (v)

Definition: To bring to mind or think about again. This verb always takes an object. 'Remember + Infinitive (to do)' refers to someone who remembers to do something. 'Remember + Gerund (ing form)' refers to a memory of a past event. | Example: Please remember to lock the door before you go out.

remind (v)

Definition: To make someone remember. This verb always takes an object. | Example: Remind me to call my mother later - it's her birthday.

hope (v)

Definition: Want something to happen. | Example: I hope she'll come to the party. I’d really like to see her.

wish (v)

Definition: Want something to be true even if it is unlikely. | Example: I wish I were a little taller.

expect (v)

Definition: Think something is going to happen. | Example: I 'm not expecting to pass - I've only had a few lessons.

wait (v)

Definition: To stay where you are until something happens. | Example: We'll have to wait half an hour for the next train.

mind (v) (used in questions and negatives)

Definition: To get annoyed or upset. | Example: Mandy didn't invite me to her party, but I don't mind.

matter (v)

Definition: To be a problem. | Example: It doesn't matter if we are a little late.

steal (stole- stolen) (v)

Definition: Take something that is not yours. The object of steal must be a thing. | Example: Oh no! Somebody stole my bike!

rob (bed) (v)

Definition: To take something that is not yours from a person or a place. The object must be a person or place, not a thing. | Example: The men had been planning to rob the bank.

look (v)

Definition: Physical appearance. | Example: Carol doesn't look very well. I think she's working too hard.

seem (v)

Definition: General impression. | Example: When I spoke to him on the phone, I thought he seemed very friendly.

beat (v)

Definition: To defeat somebody | Example: The Dallas Cowboys beat the New York Jets 28 - 10.

win (v)

Definition: To be successful in a competition. | Example: The Dallas Cowboys won the game 28 - 10.

refuse (v)

Definition: To say you don't want to do something. | Example: Tom always refuses to discuss the problem.

deny (v)

Definition: To say that something isn't true. | Example: Tom always denies that he has a problem.

lay (laid - laid) (v)

Definition: To put something or somebody in a horizontal position. | Example: I laid the baby on the bed and changed the diaper.

lie (lay-lain) (v)

Definition: To put your body in a horizontal position. | Example: Last night I came home and lay on the sofa and went to sleep.

advise (v)

Definition: To tell somebody what you think they should do. | Example: My teachers are going to advise me on what subjects to study next year.

warn (v)

Definition: To tell somebody that something unpleasant is about to happen. | Example: I think I should warn you that Liam doesn't always tell the truth.