False Friends

In English, actual means real or real-world, while in many languages a similar word (like Spanish actual) means current or present. Use actual for reality and current for time.

To assist in English is to help, whereas similar-looking words in other tongues might mean to attend or wait. Use assist when you want to say someone helped someone else.

In English, to attend means to be present at an event or to pay attention, not to serve or help. Other languages' cognates might mislead you if they mean to assist rather than to go.

A English library is a place to borrow books, not a bookstore. Some languages have similar-sounding words that mean bookshop, so remember that a library lends rather than sells.

English sensible describes someone reasonable and practical; it does not mean sensitive or easily hurt. Use sensible for good judgment and avoid it for feelings.

Eventually in English means in the end after some time, not possibly or soon. Other languages' false friends might twist it to mean something less certain, so use it for definite outcomes.

In English, a fabric is cloth material, not necessarily a factory or structure. Some false friends turn on this difference, so say fabric for textile and factory for place-making goods.

Comprehensive means thorough and complete, not simply general or basic. Use it to signal wide coverage, and beware of false friends that downplay scope.

To resume is to begin again, while a similar word in other languages might mean to summarize or to apply for a job. Use resume for restarting and summary for brief overviews.

In English, to attend means to be present at an event or to pay attention, not to serve or help. Other languages' cognates might mislead you if they mean to assist rather than to go.

False friends trick learners when similar-looking words have different meanings across languages. Double-check each key term in context and prefer clear English substitutes to avoid slips.