Homonyms

There are two main types of homonyms (words that are the same):

  • Homophones: words that sound the same but are not spelled the same (like sail and sale)
  • Homographs: words that are spelled the same and may or may not sound the same, such as bear (the animal) and bear (to stand); polish (to rub to a shine) and Polish (from Poland).

Many students have a hard time telling homonyms apart and learning to use them appropriately.  The most critical homonyms to learn are the pronouns -- which are words that we use all the time and frequently misuse!

The most common offenders:

  • Their, there, they're
  • Your, you're
  • Its, it's

It's important not only to point out the differences to students, and explain what the different words mean and how to tell them apart, but to hold them accountable for finding their errors.

Once you teach a student about a homonym, then hold them accountable for getting that homonym correct in future writings.  So, if you feel a student understands what their, there, and they're mean, but the student continues to use them incorrectly, rather than editing the student's writing, just let the student know how many there/their/they're errors he or she has in each paragraph of the writing -- and make the student find and correct the errors.  This process (rather than just editing) will help students teach themselves to write thoughtfully and, eventually, use the correct words automatically.

Practice Problems:

  • Homonyms Practice

    Do the sentences below use the correct homonym?  Correct any errors:

    1. It is interesting to see how much training can effect a dog's behaviors.
    2. I can't wait for winter; it's to hot!
    3. Do you think that we have time four lunch?
    4. Your my favorite sister.
    5. Please don't throw away that cupcake -- that would be such a waist!
    6. It's never fun to have to wake up early.
    7. I am so excited to see there new house!
    8. I red that book last year. 
    9. Do you see how happy they are?
    10. Are you going to rap that present?

    Answer Key:

  • Homonyms Practice

    Correct any incorrectly used homonyms. 

    1. Their not sure about how heat will effect the cake. 
    2. You're cat keeps falling in that whole in the backyard. 
    3. It's not fare to make me do homework on my birthday.
    4. That sugar over their has a huge affect on my brother's hyperness.
    5. There creating an add for a new type of bubble gum. 
    6. That's my teacher's aid over their!
    7. My school has band all hats because they say there disrespectful.
    8. I want to bee a teacher when I grow up.
    9. The breaks in you're car are not working well. 
    10. Its cold outside, butt I do not want to where a jacket. 
    11. Can you believe how big that ring is? Its to carrots.
    12. I cent three boxes of candy to there house for the holiday.
    13. They're going to die there hair for Halloween.
    14. If you have the flue your going to have to stay home.
    15. I was going to send flours to their house for they're anniversary. 
    16. Your going to frees you fingers off if you keep playing in the snow without gloves.
    17. Everyone in you're family has blew eyes; it must be in your jeans. 
    18. I don't knead any more of there help. 
    19. The night helped the elves save there princess. 
    20. Who's paper is that over their?

    Answer Key:

Test Prep Practice

  • Homonyms Test Prep

    Monarch butterflies only $\boxed{1}$ lie eggs on one plant: the Milkweed.  $\boxed{2}$Its understandable to think that $\boxed{3}$they're just being picky and that they should adapt.  But, $\boxed{4}$there stubborn.  And $\boxed{5}$there's something unique about Milkweed that makes it the ideal food for Monarch caterpillars. The problem is that Milkweed, which was once common in empty fields, is being ripped out as cities are developed. The $\boxed{6}$affect of this change is that Monarchs are struggling to find a place to $\boxed{7}$lie eggs, which endangers future generations of Monarch butterflies.  $\boxed{8}$Your probably wondering what you can do to help: you can do. You can plant Milkweed in your yards and create a place for Monarchs caterpillars to grow. 
    1.  
      1. NO CHANGE
      2. lie
      3. laid
      4. lay
    2.  
      1. NO CHANGE
      2. It's
      3. It are
      4. It will be
    3.  
      1. NO CHANGE
      2. there
      3. their
      4. there are
    4.  
      1. NO CHANGE
      2. they're
      3. their
      4. there are
    5.  
      1. NO CHANGE
      2. there are
      3. their are
      4. their is
    6.  
      1. NO CHANGE
      2. effect
      3. affected
      4. effects
    7.  
      1. NO CHANGE
      2. lay
      3. lays
      4. lied

    8.  

      1. NO CHANGE
      2. your are
      3. yours
      4. you're

       

       

      

    Answer Key:

Skill: