The Most Confusing Words in English: A Lifelong Learner’s Perspective

There are certain words in the English language that often baffle even the most seasoned learners. While English is a fascinating and rich language with a vast vocabulary, some words and phrases take on meanings that seem intentionally confusing, or at the very least, illogical. Such is the case with the words 'inform', 'negotiate', and the versatile 'get'.

The Baffle of 'Inform'

Let's start with the word 'inform'. It is a word that seems to have a life of its own, evolving into various meanings that can leave non-native English speakers baffled. At its core, 'inform' refers to giving information or news to someone. However, in certain contexts, it takes on an entirely different meaning, such as 'to be influenced by something in a certain manner'. For instance, the phrase 'to be informed by' – why a simple verb like 'inform' is used to describe receiving information so abstractly is perplexing.

Consider the sentence, 'She was informed by the new data'. This doesn't have a straightforward meaning that aligns with the typical use of 'inform'. Instead, it means she received particular information that influenced her understanding or action. This kind of usage turns the word into a more complex and abstract concept, which is why it can be challenging for learners to grasp.

The Nonsense of 'Negotiate'

Another word that often trips up learners is 'negotiate'. It has a specific meaning, but when combined with different contexts, it can seem almost nonsensical. 'Negotiate' typically means to discuss with the intent of reaching a mutual agreement, often involving trade-offs. However, in the sentence, 'She negotiated an obstacle', we are suddenly dealing with a situation where the word is used metaphorically to mean 'get over' or 'cross'. This usage is completely unrelated to the usual meaning of 'negotiate'

Here is another example, 'They decided to negotiate the finishing line'. In this context, 'negotiate' does not refer to any form of discussion but to the act of overcoming or completing a challenge. It creates confusion for students learning the language, as they might mistakenly think the word still means to discuss and reach an agreement.

The Enigma of 'Get'

The word 'get' can be particularly challenging for new speakers to comprehend, largely because of its multiple meanings. Let's explore the various ways this versatile word is used:

Mind-Blowing Usage of 'Get'

To stand: To arise from bed or any sitting/lying position, like "get up".

To dress: To wear a costume or outfit, for example, "get up in a fancy dress."

To initiate: To start an action, such as "get going" or "get moving."

To become: To fall into a state, like "get sick" or "get old."

To obtain: To acquire, such as "get a job."

To understand: To grasp an idea, like "I don’t get it."

Bastard Uk: Complimentary slang for someone who is foolish, as in "He was such a stupid get".

To be active: To move about regularly, like "He sure gets around for his age."

To avoid: To circumvent, such as "get around the rules."

To receive: To be on the receiving end of an action, like "get paid" or "get beaten up."

To present: To charge money, as in "How much do you get for those watches?"

To survive: To make a living, as in "It's hard to get by on minimum wage."

To pass by: To have permission to move, like "Excuse me, can you move your car I can't get by."

To attack: To aim or strike, as in "Get him!"

To establish: To initiate communication, such as "If you can’t get me by phone, get me by email."

To hear: To understand something, as in "I’m sorry, I didn’t get that last part someone else was talking."

To persuade: To convince, like "We can get them to cooperate if we make it worth their while."

To effect: To make someone feel something emotionally, such as "Oh wow, that last scene really got me."

To fool: To deceive, as in "OK OK, you got me – very funny."

To strike: To stab or hit, as in "The bullet got him in the arm."

To take revenge: To seek retaliation, like "I’ll get you one of these days, just you wait!"

To annoy: To irritate someone, such as "Don’t let them get to you; it's just trash talk."

To arrive: To reach a place, as in "We got home about 10:30."

To be allowed: To have permission, such as "When we visit my grandparents, we get to stay up late."

To endure: To stand up to something, like "I don't know if we'll get through this in one piece."

To leave immediately: To order someone to go away, often pronounced 'git'.

To mean or intend: To suggest or allude to something, like "What are you getting at?"

To enjoy extremely: To have a strong liking for something, such as "My boyfriend is such a nerd, he totally gets off on Comic-Con."

Misuse by Speakers: I knew a guy from South America who would just say 'get' whenever he didn’t know the right verb. Most of the time, people understood him.

Conclusion

English is a rich and complex language, with many words and phrases that can seem illogical or confusing to learners. Words like 'inform', 'negotiate', and 'get' exemplify the linguistic variety that can challenge even the most experienced language learners. While these words can be frustrating, they also add depth and nuance to the English language, making it a fascinating and rewarding language to learn.