Exploring common English homophones

Charlotte Guest
Two friends smiling at a person in front of them
Reading time: 4 minutes

Navigating the tricky world of homophones can be challenging, especially for English learners. This guide aims to clarify some of the most common homophones and their meanings, helping you use them correctly in your writing.

What is a homophone?

A homophone is a word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning and often in spelling. Homophones can create confusion in writing since they sound identical, yet their meanings and spellings can vary largely. For instance, "pair" refers to a set of two, while "pear" is a type of fruit. Understanding homophones is essential for mastering both written and spoken English, as misuse can lead to misunderstandings.

What is a homophone?
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Here are some common homophones you should be aware of:

There / Their / They're

  • There: refers to a place or position. Example: "The book is over there."
  • Their: possessive form of "they." Example: "Their car is parked outside."
  • They're: contraction of "they are." Example: "They're going to the concert tonight."

To / Too / Two

  • To: used to indicate direction, place, or position. Example: "I am going to the market."
  • Too: means "also" or "excessively." Example: "She is coming too." / "It is too hot."
  • Two: the number 2. Example: "I have two cats."

Your / You're

  • Your: possessive form of "you." Example: "Is this your book?"
  • You're: contraction of "you are." Example: "You're very kind."

Hear / Here

  • Hear: to perceive sound. Example: "Can you hear the music?"
  • Here: refers to a location. Example: "Come over here."

Its / It's

  • Its: possessive form of "it." Example: "The dog chased its tail."
  • It's: contraction of "it is." Example: "It's raining outside."

Where / Wear

  • Where: refers to a location. Example: "Where are you going?"
  • Wear: to have clothing on one's body. Example: "What will you wear to the party?"

Peace / Piece

  • Peace: a state of tranquility or quiet. Example: "She enjoys the peace of the countryside."
  • Piece: a portion of an object or material. Example: "Can I have a piece of cake?"

Whether / Weather

  • Whether: expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives. Example: "I can't decide whether to go or stay."
  • Weather: the state of the atmosphere (e.g., rain, sunshine). Example: "The weather is lovely today."

Right / Write

  • Right: correct or appropriate. Example: "You have the right answer."
  • Write: to compose text or letters. Example: "I need to write an email."

Threw / Through

  • Threw: past tense of "throw." Example: "He threw the ball."
  • Through: moving in one side and out of the other. Example: "She walked through the door."

Bear / Bare

  • Bear: a large mammal or to endure. Example: "We saw a bear in the forest." / "I can't bear to watch."
  • Bare: uncovered or exposed. Example: "She walked on the bare floor."

Break / Brake

  • Break: to separate into pieces. Example: "Be careful not to break the vase."
  • Brake: a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle. Example: "Hit the brake to stop the car."

Buy / By / Bye

  • Buy: to purchase. Example: "I need to buy groceries."
  • By: preposition indicating the means or agent performing an action. Example: "The book was written by Jane."
  • Bye: short form of "goodbye." Example: "She waved bye as she left."

Cell / Sell

  • Cell: a small room or a basic unit of life. Example: "Prisoners are held in a cell." / "Cells are the building blocks of life."
  • Sell: to exchange for money. Example: "They want to sell their old car."

Fair / Fare

  • Fair: just or equitable. Example: "That's a fair decision."
  • Fare: the money paid for a journey. Example: "The bus fare is £2."

Flower / Flour

  • Flower: the bloom of a plant. Example: "The garden is full of beautiful flowers."
  • Flour: ground grain used in baking. Example: "I need flour to bake a cake."

Principal / Principle

  • Principal: most important or the head of a school. Example: "The principal reason is clear." / "The school principal is retiring."
  • Principle: a fundamental truth or belief. Example: "He stands by his principles."

Raise / Rays

  • Raise: to lift or increase. Example: "Raise your hand if you know the answer."
  • Rays: lines of light from the sun or another source. Example: "Sun rays are warm."

Road / Rode

  • Road: a pathway or street for vehicles. Example: "They live on a quiet road."
  • Rode: past tense of "ride." Example: "She rode her bike to school."

Way / Weigh

  • Way: a method or direction. Example: "Can you show me the way?"
  • Weigh: to measure weight. Example: "Please weigh the fruit."

Understanding these homophones and their meanings will help you avoid common mistakes and improve your English writing skills. Make sure to take note of any unusual ones you find so you know how to correct it next time.Ìý

Explore our posts 'Translating sayings into English – with some funny results' or 'English tongue twisters to test your English skills'

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A teacher sat at the front of the class holding a book reading it to a class of young children who are sat on the floor

    Romantic Readers and classroom ideas to celebrate Valentine’s day

    By Iram Ahmed
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Love is in the air on February 14th, with hearts, red roses and boxes of chocolates everywhere. We’re all set for the big day, and to help you prepare as well, here are six of our favorite love stories for learners of all ages and levels. There are also plenty of fun ideas for your classroom.

    1.ÌýCinderellaÌý(Level 1)

    Poor Cinderella lives with her stepmother and two horrible stepsisters. They treat her badly, making her cook and clean, while they relax and wear beautiful clothes. However, one night, Cinderella gets the chance to sneak away and attend a fabulous ball. She meets a handsome prince…but must run away before he discovers her true identity. With only a glass shoe to help him, will the prince ever find Cinderella?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    It’s no surprise that the story has a happy ending. After reading the story, have the learners draw a picture and write about Cinderella’s new life in the castle, with her loving new family.

    2.ÌýLady and the TrampÌý(Level 3)

    This classic Disney story tells the tale of two young dogs who come from different backgrounds. Lady lives in a house while Tramp lives on the street. However, one day, Lady is forced to leave the house and the life she knows. Tramp teaches her about life on the streets and the two dogs fall in love… but with the dog-catcher always chasing them, will the story have a happy ending?

    How to use this reader in class:

    After reading the story, why not watch the animated version with your students? They can choose their favorite character from the movie and write a description of them.

    Looking for more romantic Readers for young learners? How aboutÌýThe Little MermaidÌý(Level 2) orÌýAladdinÌý(Level 5)? There’s something for everyoneÌýin our catalog.

    3.ÌýPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black PearlÌý(Level 2)

    If your teenagers are looking for more adventure than romance, this Reader has both. Follow crazy Jack Sparrow, handsome Will and brave Elizabeth as they fight pirates and uncover the curse of the Black Pearl. But will Elizabeth and Will survive the dangerous life on the seven seas?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    After reading the story, why not ask your students to write a review of it? It’s a great way for them to summarize the plot and share their opinion.

    4.ÌýPride and PrejudiceÌý(Level 5)

    A timeless classic,ÌýPride and PrejudiceÌýtells the story of young Elizabeth Bennett. As the oldest daughters in a family of five, she and her sister Jane are both expected to find good husbands and marry soon. But will Elizabeth find love, or will no man be good enough for her?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    While reading the story, learners can keep a diary, writing entries in the voice of Elizabeth Bennett. This helps them to demonstrate their understanding of the novel and encourages them to have a more empathetic reaction to the story’s heroine. They can either write the diary entries using typical language from Jane Austen’s day, or updating it to more modern language.

    Here’s an example:

    I had the ‘pleasure’ of meeting Mr Darcy today and found him rather rude and reserved. I imagine he feels this country life is inferior and that the locals are uncultured simpletons!

    or

    Met Mr Darcy today – what a stuck-up dork! He just stood there, looking down his nose at everyone… you can see he thinks he’s better than us locals.

    If you think your teenage learners would enjoy a different modern or classic tale of romance, check out our readersÌý. There are plenty to choose from, includingÌýRomeo and JulietÌý(Level 3),ÌýLove ActuallyÌý(Level 4) andÌýMadame BovaryÌý(Level 6).

    5.ÌýTales from the Arabian NightsÌý(Level 2)Ìý

    What would you do if you needed to fascinate a king to save your life? This is the problem Sheherezade faces when she marries a king who has killed all his previous wives. So she tells her new husband exciting, mesmerizing stories every night and always ends the tale with the king wanting to hear more. She tells him stories of adventure, love and mystery… and you can read her stories too in this Level 2 Reader.

    How to use this reader in class:

    After reading the book, have students vote on their favorite story from Sheherezade. They can then work in groups to present a short play of one of the stories, working together to write a short script.

    6.ÌýWuthering HeightsÌý(Level 5)Ìý

    Unfortunately, the path of true love isn’t always easy. Set in 19th Century Yorkshire, this tragic romance follows the story of Catherine and Heathcliff. The two childhood friends grow up together very closely. However, although she loves him deeply, Catherine can’t marry Heathcliff because of his lower social status. Instead, she marries another man, Edgar. How will Heathcliff react to this news? Will Catherine and Edgar be happy together?

    How to use this reader in class:

    At one point inÌýWuthering Heights, Heathcliff runs away from home because he thinks Catherine is embarrassed by him and doesn’t love him. Have the learners write a letter from Catherine to Heathcliff at that point, expressing her regrets about why they can’t be together. It provides students with the opportunity to use phrases such asÌýIf only…,ÌýI wish…ÌýandÌýI should have…Ìýwhilst demonstrating their understanding of the novel so far.

    If Yorkshire moors and Arabian nights aren’t quite what your students are looking for, there are more tales of romance on our site. Choose from modern-day love stories such asÌýNotting HillÌý(Level 3) andÌýLisa in LondonÌý(Level 1) or classics likeÌýAnna KareninaÌý(Level 6) andÌýPersuasionÌý(Level 2).

    If you enjoyed this post here are some more practical posts to get your students engaged in reading, 'How to bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom'Ìýand 'How to motivate reluctant readers'.

  • Young children stood in a row clapping and celebrating with a christmas tree in the background

    Classroom tips: 12 days of Christmas

    By Iram Ahmed

    With the holiday season approaching, it’s good to add some fun into teaching to keep your students engaged and motivated. We’ve created 12 simple classroom activities and tips that you can carry out with your primary class to encourage them to be good.