A. WORDS NOT TO BE CONFUSED
1. WANDERING / WONDERING
wandering (adj) = going from one place to another
There are many mobile shops of wandering grocers in our premises
wondering (adj) = questioning
She had a wondering look at the stranger standing at the door.
2. LEARN / TEACH
learn (learnt /learned - learnt / learned) = acquire knowledge or skill in something by study or practice
I learnt to swim when I was only four years old.
It is very useful nowadays to learn foreign languages.
teach (taught - taught) = give lessons so that knowledge is acquired
Paul taught me how to drive
Who taught you History at school ?
3. NOTICE / REMARK
notice = observe
I noticed Mary wearing a new hat
Did you notice that she left early ?
remark = make comments
The teacher remarked that we had to work harder
4. FORCE / STRENGTH
force = power of the body or the mind
He gave up smoking by force of will
The enemy attacked in great force.
strength = quality of being able to resist
She didn't have the strength to leave him.
She was able to get back her health and strength after her illness
B. FOR GREEK LEARNERS OF ENGLISH
1. DO NOT SAY : I went excursion with my school
SAY : I went on a school trip
2. DO NOT SAY : Bill is running with the car
SAY : Bill is driving too fast or Bill is speeding up
3. DO NOT SAY : When she was younger, she was playing the piano
SAY : When she was younger, she used to play the piano.
4. DO NOT SAY !!!! Every day I use to go to work by train
SAY ! Every day I go to work by train.
USED TO + INFINITIVE (basic verb) only expresses a PAST habit which has changed ever since. It is NEVER used in a present form to mean a present habit. For present habits use the present simple !
