Commonly Confused Words Quiz (Homophones or Homonyms)

From our apartment, we could _______ the beautiful music coming from the street festival below.

• here

• hear

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'hear' because it refers to the ability to perceive sound. 'Here' indicates a location, which does not fit the context of listening to music from the street festival.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1E

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.K.1B

What is the meaning of the word “past” in the following sentence? We must understand the past if we are to understand the future.

• went by

• events that happened before the present time

• farther away in space

Answer explanation

In the sentence, "past" refers to "events that happened before the present time," emphasizing the importance of understanding history to comprehend future developments.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1B

CCSS.L.5.1.B-D

CCSS.L.5.1B

CCSS.L.5.1C

CCSS.L.5.1D

Choose the sentence that uses the word “too” correctly.

• A. “I’ll take too copies,” Jared said, gesturing towards the magazine behind the counter.

• B. Ji-woo desperately wanted too climb the mountain.

• C. Alicia was too early for the party, so she waited outside.

Answer explanation

Choice C uses 'too' correctly to indicate that Alicia arrived earlier than necessary for the party. Choices A and B misuse 'too' instead of 'two' and 'to', respectively.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1G

On a _______ exercise bike, you sit and pedal but don’t go anywhere.

• stationary

• stationery

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'stationary' because it describes an exercise bike that remains in one place while you pedal. 'Stationery' refers to writing materials, which is not relevant in this context.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.4D

CCSS.RI.7.4

Which sentence uses the word “bare” correctly?

• A. As the wind blew, he could feel goosebumps form on his bare arms.

• B. Avi couldn’t bare to listen to the sound of small children playing recorders.

• C. Some American bares are endangered, so states work to protect their habitats.

Answer explanation

Choice A uses "bare" correctly, meaning without covering. Choice B incorrectly uses "bare" instead of "bear," which means to tolerate. Choice C misuses "bares" instead of "bears," referring to the animal.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

Which sentence uses the word “than” correctly?

• Oluwafikayo is taller than his brother, so he always helps him reach the high shelves.

• Marguerite took out her wrench and than searched for the loose screw.

Answer explanation

The correct sentence is 'Oluwafikayo is taller than his brother...' because 'than' is used for comparisons. The other sentence incorrectly uses 'than' instead of 'then', which indicates a sequence.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1G

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence below. I live by the _______ that you should treat others the way you want to be treated.

• principal

• principle

Answer explanation

The correct word is 'principle,' which refers to a fundamental truth or belief. 'Principal' typically refers to someone in a leading position or the amount of a loan. The sentence emphasizes a moral guideline.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

Which sentence uses the word “effect” correctly?

• A. The size of my lunch will effect how hungry I am for dinner.

• B. Sabir drank the magic potion and waited for its effect to begin.

Answer explanation

Choice B uses 'effect' correctly, referring to the result of the magic potion. In contrast, choice A incorrectly uses 'effect' instead of 'affect', which means to influence.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.4D

Which sentence uses the word "live" as an adjective?

• A. I went to a live Coldplay concert for my birthday!

• B. I used to live in California.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is A. In this sentence, 'live' describes the concert, indicating it was performed in real-time, making it an adjective. In choice B, 'live' is used as a verb, referring to residing in California.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1E

Luke's dog wagged ___ tail.

• its

• it's

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'its' because it is a possessive pronoun indicating that the tail belongs to Luke's dog. 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has', which does not fit the context.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.1A

CCSS.L.3.2D