What is a homonym A HOMONYM is a word that has the same pronunciation and/or spelling as another word, but a different meaning

Homonyms can be broken into two categories: Homophones – words that are pronounced the same (and may or may not be spelled the same), but differ in meaning, such as waste and waist. Homographs – words that are spelled the same (and may or may not be pronounced the same), but differ in meaning, such as desert (abandon) and desert (arid region).

These words will not be detected by spell check so it is very important not to be confused. Examples: accept: to accept is to receive, admit or take on responsibility I accept responsibility for the car accident. except: usually a preposition meaning other than or a conjunction meaning if it weren't for the fact that I have every card except the ace of spades.

affect: usually a verb meaning to have an influence on, to bring about a change Eating too much can affect your weight. effect: usually a noun meaning result The effect of the frost will be higher fruit prices.

advice: a noun meaning an opinion about an action The pediatrician gave advice on how to bathe infants. advise: a verb meaning to offer advice or recommend I would advise you not to speed at night.

forth: an adverb meaning forward in time, place or order We went forth with our plans to move. fourth: follows third I was fourth in line.

its: shows possession, answers the question, "Whose?" Its gas tank was empty. it's: contraction of it is It's the third Sunday of the month.

lose: to misplace something How can you lose your wallet? loose: not tight, to set free We let the dog loose during the day.

no: the negative Staying home alone is no way to spend a Saturday night. know: to possess knowledge I know the entire alphabet.

new: not old Every summer I buy a new swimsuit. knew: past tense of know I knew the answer but did not raise my hand.

of: a preposition that links words The lion is the king of beasts. have: a verb meaning to possess They have eight children. I should of known. - INCORRECT Caution: don't contract have to of as in "This might of worked." It should be, "This might have worked," or "This might've worked."

there: (1) indicates direction: The dog is over there. (2) subject: There are five cookies left. their: shows possession: That is their new home. they're: contraction of they are: They're going to be late.

to: (1) preposition used to link words: Mary went to the library. (2) infinitive form of the verb: Bob likes to juggle. too: (1) refers to quantity: I ate too much. (2) also: Sandy is going to the library, too. two: the number two: We had two flowers to plant.

were: verb: The twins were tired. where: direction or place: Where did I leave my glasses? we’re: we are

whose: shows possession: Whose dirty shoes are on the carpet? who's: contraction of who is: Who's coming for supper?

your: shows possession: Those are your dirty shoes. you're: contraction of you are: You're always late for supper.

Activity: Listen to the song. Write down as many homonyms as you can. Homonym song