Homophones Homonyms And Homographs

Which sentence uses the correct word? The dog is wagging ___ tail because it's happy.

• it's

• its

• its'

• it

Answer explanation

The correct word is 'its', which is a possessive pronoun showing ownership (the tail belongs to the dog). 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is'. 'Its'' is not a real word.

Match each homograph to the sentence that correctly shows one of its meanings.

• This old pipe is made of lead.

• lead

• My friend would never desert me in a time of need.

• desert

• A single tear rolled down her cheek.

• bow

• He tied a ribbon into a perfect bow.

• tear

Answer explanation

Each sentence provides a clear context for one specific meaning of the homograph. 'Bow' (a knot), 'tear' (from an eye), 'lead' (a metal), and 'desert' (to abandon) are all used correctly.

In the sentence, 'The baseball bat flew out of his hands,' what does the word 'bat' mean?

• A flying mammal that is active at night

• A piece of wood used for hitting a ball

• To blink your eyes quickly

• A type of heavy blanket

Answer explanation

In the context of baseball, a 'bat' is the equipment used to hit the ball. The other options refer to a different meaning of 'bat' (an animal) or are incorrect definitions.

Sort each pair of words into the correct category: Homophones, Homonyms, or Homographs.

Groups:

(a) Homophones (sound same, spelled different)

,

(b) Homonyms (sound and spelled same)

,

(c) Homographs (spelled same, sound different)

• bat (animal), bat (sports)

• see, sea

• watch (timepiece), watch (to look)

• ate, eight

• bow (knot), bow (to bend)

• read (present), read (past)

Answer explanation

Homophones sound alike but have different spellings. Homonyms are spelled and sound the same but have different meanings. Homographs are spelled the same but can have different pronunciations and meanings.

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: The school's ___ gave a speech at the assembly.

• principle

• principal

• principale

• principull

Answer explanation

'Principal' refers to the head of a school. 'Principle' is a rule or belief. The other options are misspelled.

The word 'read' is a homograph. How does its pronunciation change between 'I like to read books' and 'I read that book yesterday'?

• It is pronounced the same in both sentences.

• The vowel sound changes from a long 'e' to a short 'e'.

• The vowel sound changes from a short 'e' to a long 'e'.

• The consonant sound at the end changes.

Answer explanation

The present tense 'read' is pronounced with a long 'e' sound (like 'reed'). The past tense 'read' is pronounced with a short 'e' sound (like 'red').

Match each homophone to its correct definition.

• The state of the atmosphere (e.g., sunny, rainy)

• weather

• Permitted or given permission

• allowed

• Expressing a choice or doubt between alternatives

• aloud

• Spoken so it can be heard

• whether

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with its correct meaning. 'Allowed' means permitted, 'aloud' means out loud, 'weather' relates to climate, and 'whether' introduces a choice.

My dad asked me to watch my little brother while he was on the phone. What does 'watch' mean here?

• A small clock worn on the wrist

• To look at or observe something over time

• A period of guard duty

• To be careful about something

Answer explanation

In this context, 'watch' means to supervise or keep an eye on someone. The other options are different, though related, meanings of the homonym 'watch'.

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

Groups:

(a) Meaning: 'satisfied' or 'happy'

,

(b) Meaning: 'the material inside something'

• He felt a sense of peace and was content with his life.

• The content of the box was a mystery.

• She was content to sit and read her book.

• Please check the table of contents to find the chapter.

Answer explanation

The word 'content' can mean 'satisfied' (pronounced con-TENT) or 'the items inside' (pronounced CON-tent). The sentences are sorted based on which of these two meanings is used.

Which sentence has an error? 'Your going to be late if you don't hurry up!' How should it be corrected?

• The sentence is correct as is.

• Change 'Your' to 'You're' because it should be 'You are'.

• Change 'late' to 'laite'.

• Change 'Your' to 'Yore'.

Answer explanation

'Your' is possessive, showing ownership. 'You're' is a contraction for 'you are'. The sentence needs 'You are going to be late', so 'You're' is the correct choice.