
Homophones
Definition
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings. Although the words “bare” and “bear” have the same pronunciation, they have very different definitions, so it is important to pay attention to spelling to make sure your message is clear and accurate.
One of the most common homophones students find confusing is the difference between “their”, “there”, and “they’re”. The following exercises might help.
Exercise One
Choose the right word for each sentence:
- Go to the shop, Mark. I need three kilos (of/off) sugar.
- She was born on the 21st (of/off) July in New York.
- The plane took (of/off) when the weather got better.
- When did you buy this milk? It tastes a bit (of/off).
- There were a lot (of/off) people standing in line.
- Shops where you can buy alcohol are called (of/off)- licence.
- He broke (of/off) the engagement last month.
- We’re going to reach the top (of/off) the hill.
- They live in a block (of/off) flats on this street.
- The owner of the hotel earns less money during the (of/off) season.
- This is my first visit (to/too/two) Australia.
- The second hamburger was (to/too) much for me.
- I usually go (to/too) school at 10 (to/too/two) 8.
- May I borrow this book for a week or (to/too/two)?
- We have been (to/too/two) Rome and (to/too/two) Milan, (to/too/two).
- This pizza is (to/too/two) hot (to/too/two) eat.
- My mum has lost the keys (to/too/two) our house.
- It’s (to/too/two) late (to/too/two) play computer games now.
- The score at the end of the match was (to/too/two) one.
- I’m going (to/too/two) a party tonight. Would you like (to/too/two) come (to/too/two)?
- This homework has lost (its/it’s) appeal.
- The cat found (its/it’s) way home.
- When the movie is good, (its/it’s) really good.
- (There/Their) is only one question left.
- They think (its/it’s) all over. It is now.
Exercise Two
- You’re not (allowed/aloud) to play music in your room late at night.
- Wheat is ground into (flour/flower) for making bread.
- Matthew’s as mad as a March (hair/hare).
- Why don’t you come to (hour/our) house for dinner?
- The beautiful maiden was rescued by a (knight/night) in shining armour.
- No (one/won) won the match. It was a draw.
- Why don’t you save your photos to the cloud? It’s a (peace/piece) of cake.
- Katie was 18 the first time she saw the (sea/see).
- I think I need glasses. My (sight/site) isn’t as sharp as it was.
- The frame was made from (steal/steel).
- Have you seen (their/there) new red sports car?
- He kicked the ball (threw/through) the window.
- Those stupid revision books are a (waist/waste) of time and money.
- I (warn/worn) you. Don’t forget your homework.
- The (brake/break) doesn’t work on the car.
- I spotted a (dear/deer) in the woods.
- My brother has stolen my last (sweet/suite).
- (There/their) is chewing gum on the (sole/soul) of my shoe.
- The (son/sun) is shining.
- When shall we three (meat/meet) again?
- Do you (no/know) anything about the missing hamster?
- (Break/Brake) is at 10.20am.
- She (threw/through) a tantrum.
- (Their/There) is only one more question to complete.
- Is a (so/sow) a male or a female pig?