This handy infographic is ideal for explaining the 15 most common confusing verbs in English to your students.

MAKE

This verb is used when creating a physical object, an action/reaction, a sound/speech or food.

For example:

My dad likes to make furniture.

 

DO

"Do" on the other hand, is used for jobs or activities, with "anything" or "something", and it also indicated generic actions.

For example:

I need to do housework.

 

REFUSE

This verb is used to decline to accept/give something and indicates an unwillingness.

For example:

I refuse to argue with you.

 

DENY

This verb is used for declaring untruth, disagreement, to withhold or disown something and to reject or contradict.

For example:

Most deny that the sky is orange.

 

SAY

The word "say" is usually used without an object.

For example:

She knew what to say.

 

TELL

The word "tell" is used to inform or intruct.

For example:

Tell your brother to make his bed.

 

 

STAY & REMAIN

These two words are interchangeable in most cases. Both words have also developed unique idiomatic uses.

For example:

Don't stay out late!

Though the team lost, fans remain loyal.

 

SIT

"Sit" is the action of sitting down. It is a verb.

For example:

Most prefer to sit when they eat.

 

SEAT

"Seat" refers to an object that we can sit on.

For example:

Please find a seat.

 

SEATED

The word "seated" is a verb in the passive form and is also usually used in this way.

For example:

Please wait to be seated.

 

 

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