Confusing words in English

TOO / EITHER / NEITHER

When you AGREE with the speaker: too, either, neither

I like cats. => Ways to answer: 1. Me, too. / 2. So do I. / 3. I do too.
I can speak Italian. => Ways to answer: 1. Me, too. / 2. I can, too. / So can I.
I don’t like apple juice. => Ways to answer: 1. Me, either. / 2. Neither do I.
I can’t skate. => Ways to answer: 1. Me, either. / 2. Neither can I.

When you DON’T AGREE with the speaker: either

I love dogs. => Ways to answer: 1. I don’t. / 2. I don’t either.
I can play soccer. => Ways to answer: 1. I can’t. / 2. I can’t either.
I am short. => Ways to answer: 1. I’m not. / 2. I’m not either.

SAY vs. TELL

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SAY – to say something using words (spoken or written)

Examples:

She said “hello” to me.

Elena said something funny and left.

Expressions with say:

say your piece –say what you want to say
say no more – used to show that you understand what someone means
say the word – used to tell someone they only have to ask you and you’ll do what they want
say what you like – used when giving an opinion that you know for sure is correct, even if the person you are talking to might disagree with you

TELL – is used when giving information to someone else (by speaking to them or by writing to them)

Examples:

She told me a lot about herself.

Can you tell me how to get to the bank?

Expressions with tell:

1. tell a joke / tell a secret / tell a lie

2. tell the truth

3. tell the time

4. tell somebody the way

5. tell one’s fortune

6. tell the difference

SPEAK vs. TALK

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SPEAK – it means to use your voice to produce words & it is used when one person addresses a group

Example:

The teacher spoke to the class about their next test.

Expressions with speak:

speak well of –say good things about someone
speak ill of – say bad things about someone
speak highly of – praise someone
speak in favor of – support someone or something
speak against – oppose someone or something
speak your mind – tell everyone exactly what you think, good or bad

TALK – it means to say something to someone, especially in a conversation & it suggests that two or more people are having a conversation

Example:

Can I talk to you?

Elena and Veronica talked for hours about their vacation plans.

Expressions with talk:

talk nonsense – you can say this to someone when what they are saying is silly or wrong
talk sense – to give sensible opinions about things

Watch movie online The Transporter Refueled (2015)

FUN vs. FUNNY

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FUN – is a noun and ***an adjective (in informal speaking) & it means pleasure and enjoyment

Examples:

I hope you have fun!

I had a lot of fun yesterday.

***The girls had a lot of fun activities at the beach.

FUNNY – is an adjective & and it means amusing (someone or something that makes you laugh and have a good time)

Examples:

Elena is very funny!

I saw a funny movie last night.

DURING vs. WHILE

We use “during “ to say when something happens

during + noun

Example : Lidia used her computer during class.

We use “while” to talk about two simultaneous actions (two things happening at the same time)

while + subject + verb

Example: Lidia was talking on the phone while her mother was driving.

TO BE vs. TO HAVE

We use «be» to describe something or someone.

Subject + to be + complement (adjective)

Example: He is tall.

Mike is intelligent.

Ann and Mary are pretty.

The house is big.

We use «be» to say that someone or something is in a specific place.

Subject + to be + complement (place)

Example: He is in the house.

Mike is at the airport.

Ann and Mary are in the building.

The house is in Montreal.

We use «have» to express possession.

Subject + have/has+ complement (noun)

Subject + have/ has + complement (adjective + noun)

Example: He has a new car.

Mike has a pretty girlfriend.

Ann and Mary have homework.

The house has a big garden.