Back again for another bout of rounds between two words that can often be misused or misunderstood by Russian and Ukrainian speakers when they speak English. If you haven't already, you can see the first fight off here.

Round 1: Carpet vs Rug

Carpet: Covers the whole floor.
Example: The floor is warmer with a carpet.

Rug: Covers only part of the floor.
Example: I need a nice rug for the middle of my room.

RU/UA Tip: Homes in Ukraine normally have rugs, not carpets.

Winner: Rug

Round 2: Sport vs Exercise / Workout

Sport: Games like football, volleyball, tennis.
Exercise / Workout: Running, gym, dancing—burning calories.

RU/UA Tip: “Go to the gym” = exercise, not sport.

Winner: Exercise / Workout

Round 3: People vs Persons

People: Plural of person.
Persons: Extremely formal/legal English only.

RU/UA Tip: You will almost never need “persons.”

Winner: People

Round 4: Email vs Letter

Email: Electronic message.
Letter: A physical piece of paper.

RU/UA Tip: Only use “letter” if it’s on paper.

Winner: Email

Round 5: Take/Have an exam vs Pass an exam

Take/Have an exam: What you do.
Pass an exam: What happens if you succeed.

RU/UA Tip: Saying “I passed an exam tomorrow” sounds arrogant.

Winner: Take/Have an exam

Round 6: Make vs Prepare

Make: Quick, simple tasks (meal, cake).
Prepare: Something long, complex (wedding, event).

RU/UA Tip: Most of the time, “make” is more natural.

Winner: Make

Round 7: Bus station vs Bus stop vs Coach station

Bus station: Big, where buses start/end routes.
Bus stop: Small stop on the road.
Coach station: For long-distance travel.

Winner: Depends on context.

Round 8: Live vs Stay

Stay: Short period of time.
Live: Longer time (6+ months).

RU/UA Tip: For trips/vacations → stay.

Winner: Stay

Round 9: Save vs Collect (money)

Save money: For a goal (holiday, laptop).
Collect money: Asking for money, usually charity.

RU/UA Tip: Unless it’s charity, you're saving.

Winner: Save

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