When learning British English, it’s not just about mastering grammar or vocabulary – it’s about precision and practice.
Just like an archer with a sharp aim, your goal should be to hit the mark with every word and expression.
But for Italian learners, there are certain words and verbs that can be tricky.
Let’s look at seven common ones that often cause confusion, and learn how to use them correctly.
1. "Actually"
It’s easy to confuse "actually" with the Italian "attualmente," but they have different meanings. In English, "actually" refers to something real or true, often used when expressing an opinion or ("in realtà....") or to express surprise. On the other hand, "attualmente" can be translated as "currently" or "at the moment".
Incorrect: "I’m actually going to the gym this afternoon."
Correct: "I am currently at the gym, can I call you later?"
2. "To realise"
The verb "realise" doesn’t mean “to make real” in English. It means to become aware of something or to understand it.
Incorrect: "I realised a delicious cake yesterday."
Correct: "I realised I had left my keys at home."
3. "To pretend"
In Italian, "pretendere" means "to demand," but in English, "pretend" means to act as if something is true when it’s not.
Incorrect: "I pretended to give him the answer to the question."
Correct: "She pretended to be sick so she could skip school."
4. "To assist"
In British English, "assist" doesn’t simply mean "to help" – it’s used in more formal contexts or when giving professional help. It’s not the same as "aiutare" in Italian.
Incorrect: "I assisted him with his homework."
Correct: "The doctor assisted the surgeon during the operation."
5. "To attend"
While "attendere" means "to wait" in Italian, the English verb "attend" means to go to an event or a place.
Incorrect: "I’m attending to the phone."
Correct: "I’m attending the meeting at 3pm."
6. "Sympathy" vs. "Empathy"
It’s common to confuse "sympathy" with "empatia," but they’re not interchangeable. "Sympathy" means feeling sorry for someone, while "empathy" means understanding someone’s emotions from their perspective.
Incorrect: "I feel empathy for your loss."
Correct: "I feel sympathy for your loss."
7. "To embarrass"
In Italian, "imbarazzare" can mean both "to make someone feel embarrassed" and "to be embarrassed." In English, "to embarrass" means to cause someone to feel awkward or self-conscious.
Incorrect: "I embarrassed when I missed the train."
Correct: "I embarrassed my friend by telling her secret."
Conclusion
Mastering these tricky British English words and verbs will give you the precision of an expert.
Like any great strategist, understanding how to use each term with power and clarity will help you communicate effectively and confidently.
So, aim for accuracy, practice regularly, and soon you'll find yourself hitting the mark with your English every time.
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