Speak English With Vanessa

Free PDF Worksheet

5 Speaking Mistakes to Avoid
Dear English Learner,

Get ready to speak confidently! I recommend reading the worksheet out loud and using
the blank space on the last page to answer my challenge question. Click here to watch
the original video. Thanks so much for learning English with me!

Your teacher,
Vanessa
Mistake #1
Boring vs. Bored
Problem: Both words are adjectives that describe being uninteresting or uninspired.
The difference is that “boring” describes the object or person that makes us feel “bored.”

Solution:
Boring is what someone or something is (The lecture is boring.)
Bored is how we feel about boring things (I was bored during the lecture.)

Example: This documentary about sand is boring. I’m so bored. Can we please watch
something else?
I was so bored on the date. He might be a really nice person, but listening to
someone talk about sports is so boring!

Mistake #2
Well vs. Good
Problem: These two words sound similar and are sometimes used interchangeably, as
if they mean the same thing, but this is not true. They are actually different parts of

www.SpeakEnglishWithVanessa.com 1
speech, so they mean very different things. This can help you determine when to use
them.

Solution:

Good is used as an adjective, so it needs to describe a noun (It’s a good cake.)

Well which is an adverb and needs to describe a verb (He sings well.)

Example: I don’t feel well–I think I am starting to get sick. It’s a good thing I can work
from home!
She did well on her final exam. She is going to get good grades this semester.

Exception:
How are you doing? I’m doing well, and you?
Technically this is correct, but it sounds a bit too formal

How are you doing? Good, and you?

Technically this is incorrect, but it is much more common. Say this if you want to sound
like an American.

Mistake #3
Job vs Work
Problem: Work can be both a verb and a noun, whereas job is only a noun.

Solution: When you’re describing what you do for a living, that is your job. When
you’re describing where you go to do that job or the specific activities you do as part of
that job, that is your work.

Example: Part of my duties at my job include working with different groups and
organizations to end world hunger.
I work with a lot of interesting people at my new job.

www.SpeakEnglishWithVanessa.com 2
Bonus concepts:
Fixed phrase: “At work”
I was so busy at work today.
Where were you this afternoon? I was at work.

Be careful:
I love my job.
VS
I love my work.
This usage of “work” feels like there is a deeper, more emotional significance to
what you are doing, like tutoring children who have a difficult time reading.

Mistake #4
In vs At
Problem: These are common words that you’ll hear when referring to time. It may seem
tricky at first, but there’s a simple rule for remembering which one to use and when.

Solution:
Use at when you are referring to specific periods of time: at midnight, at noon, at 5
o’clock, at 8:30.
Use in when you are referring to either a general period of time OR in the amount of
time leading up to something: in the morning, in the evening, in 5 minutes, in 6 days

Example: Can you meet me at noon? I know that’s in 30 minutes, but I hope you can
make it!
The party is in 10 days and it’s starting at 7 o’clock.

Bonus:
Want to know how to use In/On/At? Half a million people have found clarity with this
English lesson!

www.SpeakEnglishWithVanessa.com 3
 Mistake #5
Talk with vs Talk to
Problem: Many English learners feel stressed about which one to use.

Solution: This is kind of a trick question because these can be used interchangeably,
with really no difference in daily conversation.

​Example: I’m talking to my friend. VS I’m talking with my friend.

Bonus:
Watch “5 (more) Speaking Mistakes to Avoid” including a common mistake when telling
what time it is.

www.SpeakEnglishWithVanessa.com 4
 ​Vanessa’s Challenge Question

Use the space below to write a few sentences answering this question. Try to use at
least 3 words from this lesson. Tell me about something you do really well.

Sample answer: Something that I do really well is editing documents for my job. It is
kind of boring work that no one else wants to do, but because I am good at it, I don’t
mind the work.

Enjoying my English lessons??

>>Click here to start speaking fluent English with me!<<

www.SpeakEnglishWithVanessa.com 5