Words that are easily confused
Pairs like rise/raise, say/tell and borrow/lend that students often mix up.
Some English words look or sound similar, or have similar meanings, but are used in different ways. In Part 1, the examiners love to put these pairs next to each other. The secret is usually grammar: does the word need an object? What preposition comes after it? Who does the action?
Verbs
Nouns and adjectives
How it comes up in Part 1
In Part 1 you choose the word (A, B, C or D) that best fits each gap. The four options often have similar meanings, so knowing which words go together is what gets you the mark.
A raise B rise C grow D arise
"Taxes" is the object, so we need raise. Rise has no object.
A lend B borrow C give D pay
You lend something to someone. You borrow it from someone.
A journey B travel C trip D voyage
A journey is the act of travelling from one place to another. Travel is uncountable, and a voyage is by sea.
Common mistakes
- ✗ He said me the answer.✓ He told me the answer.Tell + person.
- ✗ Can you borrow me your bike?✓ Can you lend me your bike?You lend to others.
- ✗ Our team won the other team.✓ Our team beat the other team.You beat a person or team, and win a game or prize.
- ✗ The film was very fun – I laughed a lot.✓ The film was very funny.Funny makes you laugh.
When you see two similar words in the options, stop and think about grammar. Is there an object after the gap? Is there a person? A preposition? The small words around the gap usually decide it.
Quick check
Choose the word that best fits each gap.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Los 40 phrasal verbs más útiles para el B2 First →