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JJ.1 Identify the correct homophone

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What are homophones?

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Choosing the right word depends on the meaning of the sentence.

Examples:
  • two (a number) / to (a direction) / too (also)
  • there (a place) / their (belonging to them) / they’re (they are)
Note

Even though homophones sound alike, spelling matters. Always read the whole sentence to decide which word fits best.

Why are homophones important?

Using the wrong homophone can change the meaning of a sentence. Understanding homophones helps you write clearly and avoid confusion.

Examples:
  • “I ate an apple.” vs. “Eight students are in the class.”
  • “The sun is shining.” vs. “My son is playing.”
Note

Think about what the sentence means. Does it talk about a number, a person, or a place? This will help you choose the correct homophone.

How do you choose the correct homophone?

Look at the sentence and ask yourself, “What is the sentence talking about?” Then pick the homophone that makes sense in that context.

Steps:
  • Read the whole sentence: “They left their books at home.”
  • Ask: Is it about a place, ownership, or “they are”?
  • Answer: Ownership → their is correct.
Note

Do not rush. Slow down, read carefully, and think about the meaning before choosing the homophone.

Common homophones you should know

Here are some of the most common homophones you will see in reading and writing:

Homophone List:
  • to / too / two
  • there / their / they’re
  • your / you’re
  • its / it’s
  • hear / here
  • one / won
Note

Some homophones are trickier than others. Practice them often to build confidence in using the correct word.

Using homophones in sentences

Practice writing and reading sentences with homophones. This will help you remember the meanings and use them correctly.

Examples:
  • “I want to go to the park, too.”
  • “There is a cat on the roof.” / “Their cat is very playful.” / “They’re feeding the cat.”
  • “It’s raining, so the dog is in its house.”
Note

If the sentence makes sense and matches the meaning, then you chose the correct homophone.