Homonyms, Homophones & Homographs
These are easily-confused word pairs: - Homophones — sound the same, spelled differently: to / two / too, their / there, flour / flower. - Homographs — spelled the same, different meaning (and sometimes sound): lead (metal) / lead (to guide). - Homonyms — same spelling and sound, different meaning: bat (animal) / bat (cricket).
Homophone: see / sea
Homograph: tear (to rip) / tear (from crying)
Homonym: bank (river) / bank (money)
Homophone = same sound. Homograph = same spelling. Homonym = both the same.
Common mistake: Mixing homophones in writing: their/there/they're, your/you're, its/it's. These sound alike but mean different things.
✏️ Test Yourself
1. **flour / flower**
2. **bat** (animal) / **bat** (cricket)
3. **tear** (cry) / **tear** (rip)
4. **see / sea**
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — To cause a person or place to remain alone or apart.
“He isolated himself after his girlfriend’s death.”
Meaning — To divide into two contrasting groups.
“You ought not to show polarized views on this issue.”
Meaning — To speak or write about someone in an abusive or disparaging manner.
“Faisal vilified me without any doubt.”
Meaning — To move about or travel aimlessly.
“He is always roaming by the seashore.”
Meaning — A soft, indistinct sound made by a person or group speaking quietly.
“Don’t murmur in the class.”