Common Issues with

What are homophones? Words in the same language that sound the same but have different meanings and may have different spellings. fourforfore rose (past tense of rise) rose (flower)rows notknot altaralter bear (to carry)bear (animal)bare (naked) citesitesight

Other homophones taretear totootwo sonsun realreel wrappedrappedrapt basebass ayeeyeI versusVerses its (possessive form of it)it’s (contraction of it is)

How to tell the difference? Spelling (sometimes) Look up the words in dictionary Make up a mnemonic device – A bear has an ear that is not bare but covered with hair. – Too has too many o’s and is more than two for me to hold.

Common problems Compliment/complement – Compliment is something nice I give/say to you. – Complement fills you up even on e(mpty).

Common problems Affect( verb )/Effect( noun, sometimes a verb ) – Affect = Action. The broken speaker affected the sound of the music. – Effect is the end result. The sale is in effect for only two days. (used as a noun) The broken speaker was an effect of the riotous crowd. (noun) The voters are hopeful that the new mayor will effect change. (verb meaning to bring about)

Common problems There/their/they’re – There (in that place) Think here which means “in this place.” – I was told to put this here, not there. – Their (pronoun) An i is in their. I is a pronoun. Think pronoun when you see their. – This is their chair.

Common problems – They’re (contraction of they are) It is best to always write out “they are” in formal writing. – They are the best mountain bikes on the market.

Common problems Your/You’re – Your is the possessive form of you. This is your boat. Not, This is you’re boat. or This is you are boat.

Common problems – You’re is the contraction for “you are.” You’re going to the prom with Jane? You are going to the prom with Jane? – It is best to write out all contractions in formal writing.