Some words look similar, or can be confused with words in other languages.
Take a look at the three examples below that can be confusing for German speakers who are learning English.
Sensitive. This means that you can be easily upset by things that people say or do. You can be easily influenced by outside factors.
My skin is very sensitive to the sun. I must wear sun protection.
He is very sensitive to criticism. He doesn’t take it well!
Sensible. This means that you show, use or have good sense and / or sound judgment.
He made a very sensible suggestion. It was a really good idea.
It was not very sensible to leave the door unlocked.
Advise. This is a verb. It means to offer a suggestion or an opinion that would be useful or helpful for others to follow.
We were advised not to travel to certain parts of the city alone.
He advised us to take the offer on the table.
Advice. This is a noun. It is information, a suggestion or an opinion about what could and should be done.
They made some great suggestions and were very helpful. We followed their advice.
I followed her advice on how to prepare for the job interview. It worked. I got the job.
Remember. This is a verb meaning to recall or bring back information that you already have in your mind or to keep a piece of information in your memory.
I remember discussing it with him at the last meeting. We definitely talked about it.
He can remember visiting this city as a child.
Remind. This is a verb meaning to make someone aware of something they have forgotten or may have forgotten.
Could you remind me to check the sales figures before the meeting, please?
Thanks for reminding me to call the London office today.
Have fun learning English!
Louise