Watch out !

  Appearances can be deceiving !

There are many latin words which can

make brazilian learners get into trouble.

Why ? Well, some of these words make

learners believe their meanings are exactly

the same they have in portuguese,but they

do not mean the same at all .So learners may

make mistakes easily because of these "false

friends" and get a bit embarrassed as well.

Let´s take a look at some of these

false friends:

to intend = to have the intention of doing

                   something.

 Examples :

Frank intends to fly to New york soon.

Do you intend to study another foreign language ?

Those History teachers intend to take their

students to the museum once again.Do you

think it´s a good idea ?

to pretend = to make believe ,to fake ,

                      to simulate

Examples:

Philip pretended to be confident and relaxed

in his job interview but his hands didn´t stop

shaking !

Janet is a great actress.She pretends to be

happy when she is feeling very sad !

Why do doctors sometimes pretend to be

indifferent to their patients' problems ?

to discuss = to talk about and exchange points of

                     view,to debate

Examples :

Let´s sit and discuss about that new invention,ok ?

The teachers were discussing about their updated

materials to use in their classes.

It is necessary to discuss about the international

financial crisis,isn´t it ?

to argue =to contend in words,to disagree,

                    to dispute,to quarrel,to have a row

After the soccer match ,some people started

arguing loudly at the bar.The barman had to

call the police !

Peter and Carol have different interests and

points of view so they argue nearly everyday !

The young men argued because they'd fallen

in love with the same pretty girl :Louise !

Look at these " false friends " listed below :

assist                  watch

application         investment

resume               summarize

actually              nowadays

private               particular

academy            fitness center

If you are uncertain about their correct use ,

you may check them up in the dictionary

or ask your teacher about them,ok ?

Take care!