“False Friends” are words that look similar to words in your native language but mean something completely different in English. Here are two big ones:
Actual vs. Current
- Actual means “real” or “true.”
- Current means “happening now.”
- Wrong: “What is the actual news?” (Unless you think the news is fake!)
- Right: “What is the current news?”
Sensible vs. Sensitive
- Sensible means having good judgment (using your head).
- Sensitive means having strong feelings or being easily hurt (using your heart).
- Example: “It is sensible to wear a coat when it’s cold, but he is sensitive to the wind.”
Don’t Trip Over These False Friends!