Homophones Homonyms And Homographs

Which sentence uses the word 'right' to mean 'correct'?

• Please write your name on the paper.

• Make a right turn at the next corner.

• You got the answer right on the test!

• It is a basic human right to have clean water.

Answer explanation

The word 'right' in this sentence means 'correct' or 'accurate'. The other options use 'right' to mean a direction, 'write' which is a different word, or 'right' as an entitlement.

Sort these word pairs into the correct categories: Homophones, Homonyms, or Homographs.

Groups:

(a) Homophones

,

(b) Homonyms

,

(c) Homographs

• bat / bat

• right / write

• see / sea

• ate / eight

• lead / lead

• tear / tear

Answer explanation

Homophones sound the same but are spelled differently (see/sea). Homonyms are spelled and sound the same (bat/bat). Homographs are spelled the same but may sound different (lead/lead).

Which sentence uses the word 'duck' to mean 'to lower your head or body quickly'?

• A duck swam across the pond.

• He had to duck to avoid the flying ball.

• The plumber used duck tape to fix the pipe.

• I saw a mother duck with her ducklings.

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'duck' is a verb meaning to move down quickly. In the other sentences, it refers to the bird.

Match the sentence to the correct meaning of the homograph 'content'.

• Satisfied or happy

• Please read the table of contents.

• The items held inside something

• The content of the box was a mystery.

• The subjects or topics covered in a book

• She was content with her grade on the project.

Answer explanation

The word 'content' can mean 'satisfied' (a feeling), 'the items inside' (a noun), or 'the topics in a book' (a noun). Each sentence uses a different meaning.

The weather forecast says it might _____ later, so you should bring an umbrella.

• rain

• reign

• rein

Answer explanation

'Rain' is precipitation. 'Reign' means to rule as a monarch. 'Rein' is a strap used to guide a horse. The context of weather requires the word 'rain'.

The word 'desert' is a homograph. Sort the sentences based on the meaning of 'desert' being used.

Groups:

(a) A dry, sandy region

,

(b) To abandon or leave

• A loyal friend would never desert you in a time of need.

• The soldier decided not to desert his post.

• It's easy to get lost in the vast, sandy desert.

• Camels are well-suited for life in the desert.

Answer explanation

'Desert' (pronounced DE-sert) is a dry region, while 'desert' (pronounced de-SERT) means to abandon. The sentences must be sorted by which meaning is used.

The words 'bow' (a knot) and 'bow' (to bend at the waist) are examples of what?

• Homographs

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Homophones

Answer explanation

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations, like 'bow' and 'bow'.

Match each word to the sentence where it fits correctly.

• Put the new video game over _____ on the shelf.

• they're

• My friends forgot _____ backpacks at my house.

• their

• I think _____ going to the movies tonight.

• there

Answer explanation

'There' indicates a place. 'Their' is a possessive pronoun showing ownership. 'They're' is a contraction for 'they are'.

In which sentence does 'watch' mean a small timepiece worn on the wrist?

• Did you watch the season finale of that show?

• My dad gave me his old watch for my birthday.

• The security guard will watch the building all night.

• Watch out for that car!

Answer explanation

'Watch' as a noun can be a timepiece. As a verb, it means to look at or observe. The correct option uses it as the noun for a timepiece.

I need to _____ a new book from the library for my report.

• choose

• chews

• chose

Answer explanation

'Choose' is the present tense verb meaning to select. 'Chews' is what an animal does with food. 'Chose' is the past tense of choose. The sentence requires the present tense verb.