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Homophones and Homonyms (I have incorporated and adapted content from the following websites: http://www.icteachers.co.uk/children/sats/homophones.htm and http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/there .)

Homophones are words that sound the same but are spelt differently.

Homonyms either sound the same when they are read aloud, or they look the same but have different meanings.

For example, sea and see sound the same, but they have different meanings. Check (meaning to examine something) and check (meaning a type of pattern) also look the same but have different meanings.

The word read in the sentence,

sounds like the word reed .

I like to read”

However, the word read in the sentence, “I have read that book” (read referring to an action that took place in the past) sounds like the word red.

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Here are some homophones:

Sea(large expanse of water)

See (the sense used by the eyes)

Right(the direction )

Write (to put pen to paper)

Which(* What one (or ones) of the number of persons, things, or events mentioned or implied?: “which do you want?”

* The one (or ones) that: “He knows which he wants.”

*That: “My car, which is not running; “My family, in which she found a warm welcome.

* Either, or any, of the persons, things, or events previously mentioned or implied; whichever: “Take which you prefer

*A thing or fact that: you are late “—which reminds me, where were you yesterday?”

From YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2016 by LoveToKnow Corp

Witch(someone who does magic)

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Steel(a type of metal)

Steal(take from someone without their permission)

Red Read (the past tense of the verb (to) read: “I have read that book.”)

Chequeused to make a payment from one bank account to another)

Check (examine something to make sure it is accurate: “Check your work for spelling mistakes.”

Or

a type of pattern)

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Homophones can sometimes cause confusion. Even when you know the difference, it can be easy to accidently write the wrong one.

Examples:

‘There’, ‘they’re’ and ‘their’. Your and you’re. Of and off. To and too.

A related common error, which many writers make, is to use the word ‘of’ when they mean ‘have’

should have+

In everyday speech, people tend to contract ‘should’/ ‘could’ ‘would’ and ‘have’ to ‘should’ve’.

In formal writing, we should avoid using this contraction and write ‘should have.’

However, if we are quoting direct speech (for example, in a story) ‘should’ve’ is acceptable because it reflects the way people speak.

“It was great- you should’ve come along!”

= should have. Should of

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ThereUse of ‘There’ Examples

In or to a place. “The children loved Disneyland – they want to go there again.”

“Would you like to sit over there by the window?”

At a particular point in a series of events, in a speech, or in a story:

““I’ll stop there, and answer questions if anyone has anything they want to ask.”

“The Rover car company was forced to cut prices, but its problems didn’t end there.”

In conversation to refer to a particular thing that someone else has said:

“I agree with you there.”

“You’re right there.”

To say that something is available to be used:

“If the opportunity is there, we will take it.”

“The money is there for local government to spend on public services.

To introduce a statement about someone that exists or something that happens:

“There isn’t much time left.”

“There are 24 teams competing in the tournament.”

To express satisfaction, sympathy etc about something that you have just done or that has just happened

“There, I’ve done my duty as a good host.”

“There now – does that feel better?”

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‘Their’ indicates the belonging to or relating to a particular group of people or things.

Examples:

“Workers are afraid that they will lose their jobs. “She has made a study of chemical fertilizers and their effect on the

environment.”

They’re is a contraction on the words they are (“I love puppies; they’re so cute.”)

Your and You’re

You’re is a contraction of ‘you are’ (for example, “You’re welcome.’’)

your (a possessive determiner) indicates that something belongs to you (for example, “Where’s your coat?”)

you + are = You’re

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Homophones Worksheet

Use each word only once

their there they’re you’re your of have been

being seeing seen we’re were

1. “Have you ______________ the remake of Poldark on T.V.?

2. Many people are very attached to ______________ mobile phones.

3. “Where have you ______________ in Britain?”

4. “Don’t you want ______________ balloon?”

5. If you didn’t recognise the above quote, ______________ probably not a fan of old horror movies.

6. She could ______________ gone out with her friends, but she decided to stay in.

7. “Look at the kids; ______________ really enjoying themselves.”

8. The workers______________ surprised and pleased to get a pay rise.

9. ______________ all stuck in college for the afternoon.

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10. The book is over ______________ on that table.

11. In July, he will be______________ his favourite band for the first time in

concert.

12. Having wealth and status is so important to them, but I think that ______________ happy is more important.