Exploring common English homophones

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?
Reproducir
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree app 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.

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

More blogs from app

  • Two coworkers discussing some sticky notes on a class window

    Local to global: How English skills unlock a career in leadership

    Por Samantha Ball
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Of the 1.5 billion English speakers in the world, over half learned it as a second or additional language.

    The “language of business”, English has become a foundational skill for anyone looking to work in an international business or at a leadership level, and many English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers find themselves working in English on a daily basis.

    But working in your second or third language comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

    We spoke to five global leaders about the role English has played in their careers, the challenges of being an ESL speaker, and how businesses can create a culture where everyone has a voice.

  • A woman sat in a library reading books at a table

    Master English with fun and effective exercises

    Por app Languages
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Learning English can be a rewarding yet challenging journey. Whether you're aiming to improve your language skills for travel, work, or personal growth, using the right resources will make all the difference.

    Types of English exercises you should try

    Grammar exercises

    Grammar is the backbone of any language. Worksheets focusing on grammar can help you understand sentence structure, verb tenses and other essential rules. Look for exercises that cover:

    • Verb conjugation: Practice different verb forms and understand when to use each.
    • Sentence structure: Learn how to construct sentences correctly.
    • Punctuation: Understand the importance of punctuation marks and how to use them properly.

    Vocabulary building

    Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for effective communication. Worksheets can help you learn new words and phrases, as well as their meanings and usage. Try exercises like:

    • Word matching: Match words with their definitions.
    • Fill-in-the-blanks: Complete sentences using appropriate vocabulary.
    • Synonyms and antonyms: Identify words with similar or opposite meanings.

    Reading comprehension

    Improving your reading skills involves understanding and interpreting written texts. Worksheets designed for reading comprehension can help you practice:

    • Short stories: Read short passages and answer questions about the content.
    • Articles: Analyze articles to identify main ideas and supporting details.
    • Inference: Draw conclusions based on the information provided in the text.

    Writing practice

    Writing exercises help you articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently. Worksheets can guide you through different writing styles and formats:

    • Essay writing: Practice writing essays on various topics.
    • Letter writing: Learn how to write formal and informal letters.
    • Storytelling: Create your own stories using prompts or randomly selected features.

  • How to make the most of AI in the classroom

    Por
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept confined to science fiction. It has become an integral part of various sectors, including education. As educators, integrating AI into your classroom practices can enhance teaching and learning experiences, making them more personalized, efficient and engaging. Here’s how you can make the most of AI in your classroom.