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Homonyms, Homographs, and Homophones
Homonyms: Words that have the same spelling and same pronunciation, but
different meanings.
Directions: Choose (a) or (b)
Example: I hope you are not lying _(a)_ to me. (a) telling a lie
My books are lying _(b)_ on the table. (b) being in a horizontal position
1. The kids are going to watch ___ TV tonight. (a) small clock worn on the wrist
What time is it? I have to set my watch____. (b) look at
2. Which page _____ is the homework on? (a) one sheet of paper
Please page _____the doctor if you need help. (b) to call someone on an electronic pager
3. Let’s play ___ soccer after school. (a) participate in a sport
The author wrote a new play ___. (b) theater piece
4. Ouch! The mosquito bit ___ me! (a) a tiny amount
I’ll have a little bit ___ of sugar in my tea. (b) past tense of bite
5. My rabbits are in a pen ___ outside. (a) a writing instrument which uses ink
Please sign this form with a black pen ___. (b) an enclosed area
Homographs: Words that have the same spelling, but different pronunciations and
meanings.
Directions: Choose (a) or (b)
Example: The wind _(a)_ is blowing hard. (a) moving air (rhymes with pinned)
I have to wind _(b)_ my clock. (b) turn the stem (rhymes with find)
1. The singer made a low bow ___ to the audience. (a) decorative ribbon (rhymes with so)
Maria placed a red bow ___ on the birthday gift. (b) bend at the waist (rhymes with how)
2. All the students are present ___ today. (a) here (rhymes with pleasant)
The boss will present ___ the award at 10:00. (b) give (rhymes with resent)
3. Please close ___ the door. (a) near (rhymes with dose)
The boy sat close ___ to his uncle. (b) shut (rhymes with toes)
4. The rope was wound ___ around his ankles. (a) tied around (rhymes with pound)
The soldier received a wound ___ in the battle. (b) an injury (rhymes with moon)
5. I don’t know if I will live ___ or die. (a) to have life (rhymes with give)
Last night I saw the band play live ___ in concert. (b) in real time performance (rhymes with hive)
Homophones: Words that have the same pronunciation, but different spelling
and different meanings.
Directions: Choose the correct word.
Example: Please try not to (waste, waist) paper.
1. Can I go to the party (to, too, two)?
2. This is my favorite (pare, pair, pear) of jeans.
3. I (sent, scent, cent) a letter to my aunt in Vietnam.
4. The children got (bored, board) during the lecture.
5. Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez like to work in (there, they’re, their) garden.
6. Alec is going to (wear, ware) his work boots today.
7. Do you think it is going to (rein, rain, reign) this afternoon?
8. I saw a restaurant just off the (rode, road) about a mile back.
9. David’s brother is in a (band, banned) which plays Russian music.
10. Juana wants her socks because her (tows, toes) are cold.
11. The teacher walked down the (aisle, isle) between the rows of desks.
12. Hadil has a (pane, pain) in her shoulder.
13. The school (principal, principle) spoke to a group of parents.
14. The clerk wants to (sell, cell) as many TVs as possible.
15. I don’t want to talk about the (passed, past) anymore.
16. Nobody (knows, nose) what you are thinking.
17. I have (for, four, fore) dollars in my pocket.
18. I need to take a (break, brake) from this exercise!
19. Humans have hands. Dogs have (paws, pause).
20. (He’ll, Heel, Heal) be here in a few minutes.
