False Cognates That Could Ruin Your Business Deals
04/29/25 • 17 min
Have you ever said something in English that sounded perfectly right, but people looked at you like you said something strange? What if the word you used wasn't actually wrong, it just didn't mean what you thought it did?
In this episode, I’m talking about something that trips up a lot of people, even advanced speakers — false friends. These are those sneaky words that look or sound just like words in your native language, but actually mean something totally different in English. If your first language is Spanish, you’ve probably run into these more than once.
I walk through a few common examples that can really throw you off if you're not careful. We talk about actual and actual, assist and asistir, fabric and fábrica, and a few others that cause confusion all the time. You’ll hear how easy it is to make mistakes with these, even in professional settings.
Key Takeaways:
- Double-check any word that looks familiar before using it.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification in team settings.
- Miscommunication caused by false friends can lead to serious issues at work.
Resources:
Fluent English Pro is your go-to podcast if you want to sound more confident and professional in English. Whether you're running meetings, negotiating deals, giving presentations, or just chatting with colleagues, we’ve got you covered.
Each week, we break down essential language skills, common mistakes, and practical tips to help you improve—without taking up too much of your time. If you’re an intermediate to advanced English speaker looking to level up, tune in and start making real progress!
Contact us now:
🌐 Text us: WhatsApp
✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form
📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.com
@fluentenglish.pro (IG)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460
Have you ever said something in English that sounded perfectly right, but people looked at you like you said something strange? What if the word you used wasn't actually wrong, it just didn't mean what you thought it did?
In this episode, I’m talking about something that trips up a lot of people, even advanced speakers — false friends. These are those sneaky words that look or sound just like words in your native language, but actually mean something totally different in English. If your first language is Spanish, you’ve probably run into these more than once.
I walk through a few common examples that can really throw you off if you're not careful. We talk about actual and actual, assist and asistir, fabric and fábrica, and a few others that cause confusion all the time. You’ll hear how easy it is to make mistakes with these, even in professional settings.
Key Takeaways:
- Double-check any word that looks familiar before using it.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification in team settings.
- Miscommunication caused by false friends can lead to serious issues at work.
Resources:
Fluent English Pro is your go-to podcast if you want to sound more confident and professional in English. Whether you're running meetings, negotiating deals, giving presentations, or just chatting with colleagues, we’ve got you covered.
Each week, we break down essential language skills, common mistakes, and practical tips to help you improve—without taking up too much of your time. If you’re an intermediate to advanced English speaker looking to level up, tune in and start making real progress!
Contact us now:
🌐 Text us: WhatsApp
✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form
📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.com
@fluentenglish.pro (IG)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460
Previous Episode
How to Write Persuasive Copy in English for Ads, Emails, and Social Media. Interview With Jon Clemence
Have you ever felt a little insecure about your writing in English? Maybe you’re worried it won’t sound natural, or that people won’t get your message. Well, you're not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Jon Clemence, and we talk about how to make your writing better and more effective, no matter your level.
Jon shares a super simple but powerful writing framework that he uses to make his content really hit home. It all starts with a hook to grab attention, then keeping sentences short and sweet, and wrapping things up with one clear call to action. He also talks about how to connect with audiences from different cultures, especially when you're writing for a global audience.
We also talk about using AI as a tool in the writing process. Jon explains how he uses AI to organize ideas and brainstorm, but he stresses that it’s important not to let AI take over your thinking or your creativity. The key is using it to support your writing, not replace it.
Key Takeaways:
- Progress in writing often means being okay with imperfect first drafts
- Use short paragraphs and simple sentences to improve readability on screens.
- One strong message is more powerful than five scattered ones
Resources:
Jon Clemence is a professional writer and content specialist who offers insights on writing for diverse audiences. He also runs Cedar Press Proofreading, where he helps individuals improve their English writing skills, especially for non-native speakers.
Website
..........................................................
Fluent English Pro is your go-to podcast if you want to sound more confident and professional in English. Whether you're running meetings, negotiating deals, giving presentations, or just chatting with colleagues, we’ve got you covered.
Each week, we break down essential language skills, common mistakes, and practical tips to help you improve—without taking up too much of your time. If you’re an intermediate to advanced English speaker looking to level up, tune in and start making real progress!
Contact us now:
🌐 Text us: WhatsApp
✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form
📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.com
@fluentenglish.pro (IG)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460
Next Episode
How to use AI to improve your English, interview with Russell Stannard
Ever feel overwhelmed by all the tools and apps out there for learning a language? What if you could use AI to make language learning easier and more fun?
In this episode, I chat with Russell Stannard about how he uses AI to boost his language skills. He shares how he watches YouTube videos, gets transcripts with TurboScribe, and then uses AI tools like Gemini to create quizzes, translate words, and dig deeper into the content. It’s a smart way to turn any video into a personalized learning experience.
We also dive into AI bots like Gliglish and Lingolet, which help you practice speaking by having real conversations. Russell explains how they provide feedback to improve your skills without overwhelming you with corrections.
And when it comes to learning vocabulary, Russell gives some great advice: focus on just a few words each day and keep reviewing them. He talks about using “dead time,” like while walking or doing chores, to listen to the language and reinforce what you’ve learned.
Key Takeaways:
- Learning a language through content that interests you makes the process more engaging and effective.
- Avoid the temptation to learn too many words at once; instead, focus on mastering a few key words each day for better retention.
- Repetition is crucial—revisit the same content multiple times to strengthen your understanding and boost language recall.
Resources:
Russell Stannard is a former high-energy particle physicist turned expert in educational technology. As a Professor Emeritus at the Open University, he now focuses on integrating technology into language teaching. Through his website and YouTube channel, Russell shares valuable resources, tutorials, and insights on using AI and technology in language learning. His work aims to help both teachers and students make the most of the digital tools available to enhance the learning experience.
Russel’s YouTube Channel And Website
TurboScribe – Transcription tool for YouTube and other videos
Website: turboscribe.ai
Gemini – AI assistant (part of Google’s AI suite)
Gliglish – Language speaking practice with feedback
Website: gliglish.ai
Lingolet – AI-driven language learning based on user interests
Website: lingolet.ai
Natural Readers – Text-to-speech tool (free tier available)
Website: naturalreaders.com
..........................................................
Fluent English Pro is your go-to podcast if you want to sound more confident and professional in English. Whether you're running meetings, negotiating deals, giving presentations, or just chatting with colleagues, we’ve got you covered.
Each week, we break down essential language skills, common mistakes, and practical tips to help you improve—without taking up too much of your time. If you’re an intermediate to advanced English speaker looking to level up, tune in and start making real progress!
Contact us now:
🌐 Text us: WhatsApp
✉️ Contact us: Website Contact Form
📧 Email: info [at] fluentenglishpro.com
@fluentenglish.pro (IG)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-pro/id1706003460
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