The most confusing verbs in English – explained simply

English has hundreds of verbs—but some are way more confusing than others. If you’re an English learner, you’ve probably stumbled over irregular forms, phrasal verbs, or verbs that seem to break all the rules.

The good news? You’re not alone! In this post, we’ll look at some of the most confusing verbs in English—and explain them in a simple, clear way.

🔄 1. To lie vs To lay

These two verbs confuse native speakers too!

🔹 To lie = to rest, to recline (no object)

Present: I lie down every afternoon.
Past: Yesterday, I lay down for an hour.
Past participle: I have lain there all day.

🔹 To lay = to put something down (needs an object)

Present: I lay the book on the table.
Past: I laid the book down.
Past participle: I have laid the book there many times.

🎯 Tip: If there’s an object, use lay. If not, it’s probably lie.

🧱 2. To rise vs To raise

These sound similar but are used differently.

🔹 To rise = to go up (by itself)

The sun rises at 6 a.m.
Prices rose last year.
He has risen to the top.

🔹 To raise = to lift something (needs an object)

She raises her hand.
They raised the flag.
He has raised three children.

🎯 Tip: If you’re doing something to something else, use raise.

🧩 3. To make vs To do

Both mean “to perform” or “to create,” but they’re not interchangeable.

🔹 Use make for things you create or produce:

make a cake
make a mistake
make a decision
make money

🔹 Use do for actions, tasks, or work:

do homework
do the dishes
do your best
do a job

🎯 Tip: “Make = create”, “Do = perform”.

⏱️ 4. To go vs To come

These verbs both involve movement, but the direction matters.

🔹 To go = move away from the speaker or listener

I’m going to the store.
He went to France last summer.

🔹 To come = move toward the speaker or listener

Can you come here, please?
She came to the party late.

🎯 Tip: If the movement is toward you, use come.

🤯 5. To get – the king of confusing verbs

Get has many meanings, and it’s used in countless expressions.

Common meanings:

receive: I got a gift.
become: I’m getting tired.
obtain: I need to get a new phone.
understand: Did you get it?
arrive: We got home late.

Also used in phrasal verbs:

get up, get over, get out, get by, etc.

🎯 Tip: Learn “get” in phrases—it’s easier than memorizing all its meanings alone.

🧠 6. To have and To have got

Both forms are used to express possession, but usage varies.

American English:

I have a car.

British English (more common):

I have got a car.

They mean the same thing, but:

Have is more formal and universal.
Have got is more casual and common in conversation.

🎯 Tip: Both are correct—just be consistent!

✅ Final Thoughts

English verbs can be confusing because:

Some are irregular
Some change depending on direction or object
Some have multiple meanings or are used in phrasal verbs

But once you start to recognize the patterns, they get easier to use. Keep practicing with short sentences, and try to learn verbs in context, not just in lists.