patio and yard
patio: concrete yard: grass
condominium vs residential complex
condo: a house to share gated communitiy: houses with a big gate
Gate vs. entrance
Gate is usually for entering the property; entrance is the door into the house.
a public school / a private school
In the US: Public = free, government-run Private = paid, independent (Note: in the UK, “public school” can mean a private, elite school)
be punished / be suspended
Both are consequences, but: Punished = stay after school, get a warning, etc. Suspended = sent home from school for a serious reason.
make somebody study something / let somebody study something
“Make” = force “Let” = allow (give permission)
path vs hallway
path outside / hallway inside
modern vs old
modern: new model old: ancient
suburbs vs outskirts
Suburbs are developed, close to the city, and have more things to do. Outskirts are on the edge of the city, usually quieter and less developed.
cabin vs cottage
cabin: wooden house in the countryside cottage: not only wood but other materials on the beach or the countryside
chimney and fireplace
chimney: outside structure fireplace: inside wood and fire
pass an exam / fail an exam
You succeed or not on a test.
high school and secondary school
Same meaning: "High school" (US) = "Secondary school" (UK)
wall vs fence
wall:bricks or blocks fence:lighter materials and mark boundaries
pass an exam / fail an exam
You succeed or not on a test.
a term / a semester
Both mean part of the school year. "Term" (UK), "Semester" (US)
village, town, and city:
village: outside the city town:small city: big
a nursery school / an elementary school
Related but not the same level: Nursery = preschool (ages 3–5) Elementary = primary (ages 5–11)
a principal / a teacher
Both work at a school. A principal is the boss; a teacher teaches students.
a child / a student
A child can be a student, but not all students are children (some are teenagers/adults)
a graduate / a student /undergraduate
A graduate was a student. Now they’ve finished school/university. undergraduate=university student
cheat / misbehave
Cheat = copy or lie in exams. Misbehave = act badly (talking, fighting, etc.).
history / a story
“History” = real past events, subject “Story” = made-up tale or narrative
ceiling and roof
ceiling: inside roof:outside
Attic and basement
Both are extra spaces in a house used for storage. One is at the top, the other at the bottom.