2.5.- Phrasal and confusing verbs

What is your biggest dream when you finish school?

Emma’s dream

 

Emma always believed in her dreams, especially her ambition to become a writer. When the school announced a creative writing contest, she was eager to join in. Excited, she spent hours crafting her story, pouring her heart onto the page.

 

As the deadline approached, Emma was nervous but determined. She reminded herself to stay in focus and not let self-doubt creep in. Finally, the day arrived to hand in her entry, and she felt a rush of pride.

 

On the day of the announcement, Emma waited anxiously. When her name was called as the winner, she couldn’t believe it!

 

Although she was tempted to give in to her fears, Emma had pushed through. Now, she knew that hard work and believing in herself truly paid off.

Collaborative Online Exercise about Phrasal Verbs with 'in'

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/78805006

Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/

Exercises 1 and 2 on page 18

Individual Online Exercise about Phrasal Verbs with 'in'

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/IU-hJTZLtkz

Listening Exercise about the song Believe: https://www.lyricsgaps.com/exercises/view/72/Intermediate

Introductory listening exercise about confusing verbs: https://www.topworksheets.com/t/zIg9PYfkxzB

Confusing verbs

 

1.- win vs beat

The verb ‘win’ is used for events or competitions. For instance, we can say ‘win a match/competition/tournament/game/…’ or you can say ‘win a prize/the lottery/etc.’, in contrast to ‘beat’ that is when you overcome an opponent:

• Big teams like Real Madrid usually win matches against smaller teams.
• My dad used to beat me at table tennis when I was younger.

 

2.- succeed vs achieve

The verb ‘succeed’ means to do well or to get a desired outcome whereas ‘achieve’ means to reach or retain a goal, reach a certain skill level or retain an object:

• I will succeed in getting my college degree.
• She finally achieved her ambition to visit South America.

 

3.- fail vs lose

The verb ‘fail’ is to be unsuccessful while ‘lose’ is to cause (something) to cease to be in one's possession or capability due to unfortunate or unknown circumstances, events or reasons.

• lose in a game, lose in a race, lose in a competition
• fail in your studies, fail a class, (fail = you don't get the objective)

 

4.- defeat vs defend

 The verb ‘defend’ is to protect while ‘defeat’ is to overcome in battle or contest:

• How can we defend our homeland if we don't have an army?
• Napoleon was defeated by the Duke of Wellington at the battle of Waterloo.

 

Sources: 

https://wikidiff.com/defeat/defend#:~:text=As%20verbs%20the%20difference%20between,overcome%20in%20battle%20or%20contest.}

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/

https://keepsmilingenglish.com/2015/05/confusing-verbs-9-win-vs-beat/

https://wikidiff.com/fail/lose

https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/7437214

https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/450837

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/achieve

Exercise 3 on page 18

Individual Online Exercise about Pairs of Confusing Verbs

https://www.topworksheets.com/t/zmUG6tdZ8P