Troublesome Verbs Part I

Many verbs are misused due to the confusion that arises from differences in meaning and spelling.

Lists of Troublesome Verbs:

1. adapt - adopt

adapt - to adjust in order to meet requirements. Sample Sentence: Students from remote rural areas find it difficult to adapt themselves to urban life.

adopt - to take as one's own. Sample Sentence: The couple is planning to adopt the child.

2. born - borne

born - refers only to birth; it is used in the passive voice. Sample Sentence: He was born deaf, mute, and blind.

borne - given birth to, supported, carried. Sample Sentences: a.)She had borne eight children. b.)The widow has borne her difficulties with quiet courage. c.)The relief goods were airborne.

3. borrow - lend

borrow - to obtain temporary use of --- from another. Sample Sentence: May I borrow 50 dollars?

lend - to grant temporary use of --- to another. Sample Sentence: Sorry, I don't have that much; I can lend you only 10 dollars.

4. bring - take

bring - in reference to motion toward the speaker. Sample Sentence: Bring me yesterday's paper.

take - in reference to motion away from the speaker. Sample Sentence: "Take her away from me," cried out the enraged father.

5. emigrate - immigrate

emigrate - to move out of a country

immigrate - to move into a country

Sample Sentence: While Filipinos emigrate to seek greener pastures, many Chinese immigrate to the Philippines for the same reason.

Refs

• Intensive English Book

grammar, 14-03-23 13:32, 14-03-23 14:03, Marz