1. Homonyms, Homographs, Homophones
What’s the Difference?

2. Homonyms
Words that have the same pronunciation and same spelling but different meanings.

3. Here’s an example: Row Vs. Row
They have the SAME spelling, SAME pronunciation, but DIFFERENT meanings.

4. Row Vs. Row Row: use oars to move a boat Row: a line of objects
I had to row the boat for three hours.
Row: a line of objects
I see a row of wonderful students in front of me.

5. Homonyms (continued) MEANINGS
Remember: homonyms have the SAME pronunciation, SAME spelling, but DIFFERENT…
MEANINGS

6. Can you think of another example?
Long Vs. Long
Long: having great length
This building has a very long hallway.
I had to wait a long time in the dentist’s office.
Long: to desire or yearn greatly
I have longed for this moment all of my life.
I long for a piece of delicious chocolate.

7. Homographs
Words that have the same spelling but DIFFERENT pronunciations and DIFFERENT meanings.

8. Here’s an example: Lead Vs. Lead Lead (li:d): go in front of
Lead (led): a soft, heavy metal
They have:
Same spelling
Different pronunciation
Different meanings

9. Can you think of another example?
Read vs. Read
Read (ri:d):
I will read this book tomorrow. (future tense)
I am reading Bridge to Terabithia right now. (present tense)
Read (red):
Have you read a good book recently? (past tense)

10. Homophones
Words that have exactly the same sounds, but different spellings and meanings.
DIFFERENT spelling
SAME pronunciation
DIFFERENT meanings

11. Here is an example: To / Too / Two To: I will go to the store.
Too: Are you in that class too? (also)
Two: There are two cows standing next to the fence. (number)

12. Homophones (sound alike)
Notice:
Each of these words sound alike, but they are spelled differently and have different meanings: To
Too (also)
Two (number)

13. Can you think of another example?
Mail Vs. Male
Mail: letters/packages
The mail (letter) will arrive on Tuesday.
Male: boy/man
Male is the opposite of female.

14. Pronunciation (Sound)
REVIEW
Homonyms
Homographs
Homophones
Pronunciation (Sound)
Same
Different
Spelling
Meaning
Examples
Row; Row
Lead; Lead
To; Too; Two
Mail; Male

15. Another Way To Look At It:
Homonyms: sound alike, spelled alike (row/row)
Homographs: spelled alike (lead/lead)
Homophones: sound alike (to/too/two)

16. Which ones are homophones?
Pear
Can
Hear
Toe
Pit
New
Bear
Fear
Saw
Right

17. Which ones are homographs?
Pear
Can
Hear
Toe
Pit
New
Bear
Fear
Saw
Right

18. You’re Experts!
Excellent!
Superb!
WOW!
Amazing Job!
Stupendous!