False Friends: Actually, Sympathetic, Sensible and More
English words that look like Turkish or international words but mean something different, and what to use instead.
False friends are words that look familiar but mean something else. They are dangerous because they don't look like mistakes, so they survive every round of editing.
The most common ones
| Word | What learners think | What it really means | Use instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| actually | currently, nowadays | in fact, really | currently, nowadays |
| sympathetic | likeable, nice | showing understanding of someone's problems | nice, friendly, likeable |
| sensible | sensitive | practical, reasonable | sensitive |
| eventually | possibly | in the end, after a long time | possibly, perhaps |
| control | check | have power over | check |
| camping | a place to camp | the activity of staying in a tent | campsite (the place) |
In context
Actually, many people work from home. He is very sympathetic, everyone likes him.
Nowadays, many people work from home. He is very friendly; everyone likes him.
Please control your answers before you finish.
Please check your answers before you finish.
Two that affect exam essays
Actually at the start of an essay sentence often reads as in fact and sounds like you are correcting someone. If you mean these days, write nowadays or currently.
Eventually means in the end. Eventually, prices may rise means "prices will rise in the end", not "prices might rise".
Quick self-check
Search your text for actually, eventually, sympathetic and control. For each one, ask: do I mean the English meaning?
Quick practice
Fill in the gaps, then check.
- ", I live in Ankara, not Izmir." (in fact)
- ", I'm working on a new project." (at the moment)
- A "sensible" person is .
- A "sympathetic" friend understands your .
- "I'll my exam next week." (take it, not pass it yet)