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NN.1 Identify homophones

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What are homophones?

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Readers use context to figure out which word is correct in a sentence.

Examples:
  • “I want to go to the park.” / “I bought two apples.” / “The sky is blue, too.”
  • “She read a book.” / “The color is red.”
Helpful hint

Think: Do the words sound the same? Do they mean different things? Are they spelled differently? If yes, they are homophones.

Why do writers need to know homophones?

Knowing homophones helps writers choose the correct word. Using the wrong one can confuse the reader. Understanding them makes both reading and writing clearer.

Example Sentences:
  • Incorrect: “I can sea the ocean.” (wrong homophone)
  • Correct: “I can see the ocean.” (right homophone)
Helpful hint

Always check: Does this word’s meaning fit the sentence? If not, think of another word that sounds the same but is spelled differently.

Common homophones

Some homophones appear often in reading and writing. Here are pairs you should know:

Homophone Pairs:
  • to / two / too
  • there / their / they’re
  • your / you’re
  • hear / here
  • one / won
  • be / bee
Helpful hint

Practice using homophones in sentences. The more you use them correctly, the easier it will be to remember their meanings and spellings.

Putting it all together

Homophones can make writing tricky. But with practice, you can learn to choose the right word every time. Paying attention to meaning and spelling helps you become a stronger reader and writer.

Examples:
  • “I won the game, and I was the only one playing.”
  • “Please come here so you can hear the song.”
  • “They’re going to their house over there.”
Helpful hint

Remember: Homophones sound alike, but spelling and meaning matter. Always match the word to the idea in your sentence.