Certain verbs in English appear to mean the same thing, but they are not interchangeable. For example: win – won – won/ beat – beat – beaten:
“The Cincinnati Reds won the game. They beat the St. Louis Cardinals.”
So we win a game or a battle; we beat our opponents!
Here are more examples: Rob – robbed – robbed/ steal—stole—stolen:
“A thief robbed me! He stole my wallet.”
Used to/ to be used to/ to get used to:
“I used to live in Alaska, so I am used to living in cold climates. You’ll get used to it, too!”
Lie—lay—lain/ lay—laid—laid:
“Yesterday, after I laid the baby down for a nap, I lay down for a while to rest.”
Sometimes which verb we use depends on the direct object: Someone robs me, but he or she steals my possessions. Other times, the correct choice depends on whether there even is a direct object (so the verb is transitive) or not (in which case the verb is intransitive):
Every day I lay the baby down for a nap, then I usually lie down for a while.
There are many more such usages in English, and of course they present a particular challenge for students of the language. So what’s the best way to master these special usages? Sign up for classes with a Cincilingua teacher!
