There are several confusing words in English. Can you use them correctly? Take a moment to do this interactive exercise.
Fill in the blanks.
1I just read a story about a man without a ...............
Wrong!
A "shadow" is the dark shape made when something blocks light.
2We are looking for some ............... to sit in.
Wrong!
"Shade" means protection from direct sunlight.
3Driving home in that storm was not a ............... thing to do.
Wrong!
"Sensible" means showing good judgment or common sense.
4............... me to pay the bills.
Wrong!
"Remind" means make someone remember something.
5This song makes me ............... my mother.
Wrong!
After "make me," use the base verb "remember".
6Who discovered the ............... of gravitation?
Wrong!
A "principle" is a basic law, rule, or scientific truth.
7I have the ............... to visit Dubai next year.
Wrong!
An "opportunity" is a chance to do something useful or desirable.
8There is a ............... that I will visit Dubai next year.
Wrong!
A "possibility" is something that may happen.
9I ............... the books on the table.
Wrong!
"Laid" is the past tense of "lay," meaning put something down.
10I will see you ............... a few days.
Wrong!
Use "in" before a period of time to mean after that time from now.
11The clown told us a ............... joke.
Wrong!
"Funny" describes something that makes people laugh.
12I will be staying ............... the weekend.
Wrong!
"Until" shows that an action or situation continues up to a time.
Answers
- I just read a story about a man without a shadow.
- We are looking for some shade to sit in.
- Driving home in that storm was not a sensible thing to do.
- Remind me to pay the bills.
- This song makes me remember my mother.
- Who discovered the principle of gravitation?
- I have the opportunity to visit Dubai next year.
- There is a possibility that I will visit Dubai next year.
- I laid the books on the table.
- I will see you in a few days.
- The clown told us a funny joke.
- I will be staying until the weekend.