Synonyms and confusable words 2

Verbs connected with gaining, winning and achieving

Note these typical collocations connected with ‘gaining’ or ‘achieving’.

verb	collocates with	example	comments
gain	power, control, access	The Socialist Party gained control of the National Assembly.	Gain is often used with abstract nouns relating to political authority.
gain [formal]	a reputation, publicity, recognition, an advantage	​Her paintings gained recognition thanks to a major exhibition in New York.	Gain is often used with abstract nouns that suggest benefit to the ‘gainer’.
win	an award, a prize, a medal, a match	He won a medal in the 2016 Olympic Games.	Win is often used in contexts associated with competition.
win	a battle, a war, an election	The Conservative Party won the 2015 General Election.	Win is often used in contexts associated with fighting.
earn	a salary, money	I earn $2110 a month.	You earn money by working for it.
make	a profit, money	The company made a profit last year.	​You can make money by investing etc., not just by working.
achieve	success, your goals, your aims	It’s difficult to achieve success in international sport.	Achieve is used mainly with abstract nouns.
beat/ defeat	a team, an opponent	He defeated his opponent in the tennis final.	You win a match but beat/defeat an opponent. Defeat is more formal than beat.

Other words that are often confused

Common mistakes

Notice how spend is used when talking about time and money.

We spent three days in the mountains. It was wonderful. (NOT passed)

If you buy a big car you’ll have to spend more money on petrol. (NOT use)

Last night I spent two hours watching TV. (NOT stayed)

I spent an hour looking for the keys before I found them in my bag. (NOT passed)