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STOP Making 6 Common Mistakes: Advanced English Lesson

Learn how to stop making common mistakes in English.

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Vanessa reviews common English mistakes and contrasts forms that learners may confuse. The lesson discusses “either” and “neither,” the word “actually,” and the use of “although.” Rather than presenting grammar as a list of prohibitions, she explains how the choices sound in everyday conversation and when a form may feel formal or unusual.

In a negative sentence such as “I don’t want cake or ice cream,” the word “or” can connect the options. “I don’t want either option” is another way to say that neither choice is wanted. The informal response “me either” is heard in casual speech, though a learner may choose a more standard expression in formal writing or an exam. The lesson’s point is to understand both common usage and the expectations of the setting.

Vanessa also explains “actually,” which can introduce a surprising or corrected fact. “I actually fell asleep on the plane” may signal that the speaker is surprised because they usually do not sleep during flights. The word can be confusing for learners whose first language has a similar-looking word with a different meaning. The lesson further notes that “although” may sound more formal than alternatives in casual conversation, and that it can be used when changing or qualifying an idea.

For practice, make two examples for each pair and say them aloud. Try “I don’t want either option” and then a sentence with “actually” that corrects an assumption. In writing for school or work, use the standard form expected by the audience. In conversation, notice what people say without assuming that every informal pattern is appropriate everywhere. The goal is to express your meaning accurately while recognizing how grammar, tone, and context shape natural English. If you are preparing for an exam, review the formal standard separately from casual usage. Context helps you choose the appropriate version.

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Speak English With VanessaAmerican English10:41

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introduces common spoken and written mistakes.

Hi I'm Vanessa from SpeakEnglishWithVanessa com Don't make these mistakes Let's talk about it Have you ever watched an English TV show and realized whoa these guys speak way different than any English I ever heard in my English class Yeah it's pretty true that English spoken in real life is way different than textbook English But never fear today I'm going to help you with three pairs of commonly-misused words and I hope if you misused these words before this lesson I hope you won't misuse them afterwards Let's start The first pair of commonly-misused words are either and neither

Try it: Choose one pair of confusing expressions and make two short examples that show the difference.

Phrase cheat sheet

All phrases at a glance

Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.

6 phrases

don’t want cake or ice cream

Introduces common spoken and written mistakes. · expression

A negative statement rejecting both of the listed dessert choices.

Tone and use: Common and neutral. Use “or” with a negative verb to connect alternatives.

May not fit: If only one choice is rejected, name the one you do not want.

Example“I don’t want cake or ice cream for dessert.”

I don’t want either option

Introduces common spoken and written mistakes. · expression

A way to say that neither of two choices is wanted.

Tone and use: Common and neutral. Use it when rejecting both alternatives.

May not fit: “Either” here refers to two options in a negative sentence.

Example“I don’t want either option; could we choose something else?”

me either

Explains either and neither in negative sentences. · expression

An informal response meaning that the same negative statement is true for you.

Tone and use: Very informal spoken usage. Use it in relaxed conversation after someone makes a negative statement.

May not fit: In formal writing or tests, use the form expected by the context, such as “Neither do I.”

Example““I don’t like that song.” “Me either.””

fell asleep on the plane

Explains either and neither in negative sentences. · expression

Began sleeping while travelling by airplane.

Tone and use: Common everyday phrase. Use it to describe unintentionally starting to sleep during a flight.

May not fit: It describes falling asleep, not simply feeling tired.

Example“I fell asleep on the plane before dinner was served.”

actually dating someone

Discusses actually and mistaken assumptions. · expression

In fact, being in a romantic relationship with someone.

Tone and use: Conversational; “actually” adds surprise or correction. Use it when revealing or correcting an assumption.

May not fit: Do not use “actually” as a false friend for “currently.”

Example“She’s actually dating someone from her class.”

changing my mind

Reviews although and conversational alternatives. · expression

Deciding to think or choose differently than before.

Tone and use: Common and neutral. Use it when revising a decision or opinion.

May not fit: It indicates a change; explain the new choice if it is not clear.

Example“I changed my mind and ordered the soup instead.”

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What it means · “don’t want cake or ice cream”

What does “I don’t want cake or ice cream” mean?