ASSIST vs ATTEND
ASSIST = help, ATTEND = be present at; Spanish 'asistir' = English ATTEND
Question 1
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
I need to _____ the meeting at 3 PM.
Context: Being present at events
🧠Why This Mistake Happens
The Problem:
Spanish 'asistir' means 'to attend' (be present at), not 'to assist' (help)
Linguistic Reason:
This is a complete meaning reversal causing potentially embarrassing errors in formal contexts. Spanish 'asistir a' = be present at, not help. English 'assist' means help/support, creating a classic false friend.
Spanish Example:
Spanish: Asistí a la conferencia = I assisted at the conference
Spanish 'asistir a' = be present at, not help. English 'attend' = be present, 'assist' = help
💡 Quick Rule:
ASSIST = help, ATTEND = be present at; Spanish 'asistir' = English ATTEND
Common Examples:
I assisted the conference yesterday
I attended the conference yesterday
Being present at an event
Many students assisted to the lecture
Many students attended the lecture
Presence/participation
She attends elderly people
She assists elderly people
Helping/supporting others
💡 Tips for Success
- •Spanish \'asistir a\' = English ATTEND (be present at)
- •English ASSIST = help/support (Spanish \'ayudar\')
- •Attend a meeting/class/conference (be there)
- •Assist someone/with something (help them)
🌟 Community Insights
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