Use the correct homophone

Key Notes:

What are Homophones?

Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. Using the wrong homophone can completely change the meaning of your sentence, so it’s important to choose carefully! For example, there, their, and they’re all sound the same, but each has a distinct meaning.

Common Homophone Examples

to/too/two to: indicates direction or purpose (e.g., I went to the store.) too: also or excessively (e.g., I want to go too.; It’s too hot.) two: the number 2 (e.g., I have two cats.) there/their/they’re there: a place (e.g., Put it over there.) their: belonging to them (e.g., It’s their house.) they’re: they are (e.g., They’re going to the park.)

your/you’re your: belonging to you (e.g., Is this your book?) you’re: you are (e.g., You’re a great student.) it’s/its it’s: it is (e.g., It’s a beautiful day.) its: belonging to it (e.g., The dog wagged its tail.) here/hear here: in this place (e.g., Come here, please.) hear: to perceive with the ear (e.g., Did you hear that noise?)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct homophone to complete each sentence:

• Are you going (to/too/two) the party?
• (There/Their/They’re) going to be late.
• Is that (your/you’re) backpack?
• (It’s/Its) important to study for the test.
• Can you (here/hear) me now?
• The dog buried (its/it’s) bone.
• I want (to/too/two) go to the beach.
• The children played in (there/their/they’re) garden.

More Practice

Write your own sentences using the following homophones:

• see/sea
• write/right
• know/no
• wear/where
• buy/by/bye

Summary

This lesson covered the definition of homophones, provided examples of commonly confused homophones, and offered practice exercises to help you choose the correct word in sentences. Remember to always consider the meaning of the sentence to ensure you’re using the right homophone!

Let’s practice!