In this lesson, you’ll learn how to confidently use commonly confused verbs, making your English clearer and more polished. From sorting out the difference between “hear” and “hear” and “listen” to understanding when to use “fall off”, “fall down” or “fall over”, we’ll tackle some of the most confusing English verbs. By the end of this lesson, you’ll feel ready to choose the right words and avoid some classic pitfalls.

1. Hear vs Listen

Let’s start with two incredibly common verbs: hear and listen

- We use “hear” to describe the process of sounds coming into your ears, whether you want them to or not. For example:

• Did you hear those dogs barking? The noise kept me up all night!
• No I had earplugs in so I couldn’t hear anything.

- We can also use “hear” with the meaning of “to be told something”.

• Emma got the job! – So I’ve heard. (So I’ve been told.)

- Listening is intentional. You have to focus and pay attention, for example:

• I’m listening to a really good podcast at the moment.
• He told me what the plan was, but I wasn’t really listening.

- Hearing happens without effort; listening requires effort

2. See / Look At / Watch

Next up: see, look at and watch

- “See” is similar to “hear”- it’s the process of noticing something but with the eyes.

• We could see the Eiffel Tower from our hotel window.
• I didn’t see the person who snatched my phone.

- “Look at” means to move your eyes in a particular direction in order to see something, for example:

• Look at the man dressed as a horse!
• Look at me when I’m talking to you, please.

The action of looking is generally quite short.

- Look at can also be used as a phrasal verb, meaning to examine something with care.

• Have you had the chance to look at my report yet?

- Watch, on the other hand, is when you look at something or somebody for a longer period of time. What you’re watching will usually be moving like a film, a Youtube video, a play or a concert. The action generally involves more effort, for example:

• Watch how I play it and then you can try and copy.
• Did you watch the game last night?

- You can “see” or “watch” a film, but be careful- We don’t “see” television (wrong)

• We’re going to watch/see Gladiator II if you fancy joining us?
• I rarely watch TV these days. (correct) – I rarely see TV (wrong)

3. Fit vs Suit

Now, let’s learn the differences between fit and suit.

- “Suit” refers to how attractive clothing looks on someone:

• Wow! Those jeans really suits you!

- Another really common meaning of suit is to ask somebody if something is convenient for them.

• I’ll come round to your place at 8 if that suits you. (if that’s convenient for you)

- “Fit” describes the size and shape of something:

• You can have that T-shirt – it doesn’t fit me anymore. (It’s too big or small for my body.)

- You’ll often hear people say something fits well or nicely.

- The idiom “fit like a glove” means something fits perfectly. The idiom “one size fits all” means something is made to work for everyone or every situation without needing changes and adjustments.

*Tip: Use “go with” to describe items that combine well:

• That bags goes really well with those shoes.