Homophones, Homonyms, and Homographs

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: I can't believe _____ going to the water park without us!

• their

• there

• they're

• theyre

Answer explanation

The correct word is 'they're,' which is a contraction for 'they are.' 'Their' is possessive, and 'there' refers to a place.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1G

CCSS.L.K.4A

The word 'tear' can be pronounced two ways. Sort the sentences based on the meaning of tear: A drop of water from the eye, or to rip something apart.

Groups:

(a) A drop of water from the eye

,

(b) To rip something apart

• The sad movie made a tear come to his eye.

• A single tear rolled down her cheek.

• He saw a small tear in his new shirt.

• Be careful not to tear the page.

Answer explanation

The sentences are sorted by the two different meanings and pronunciations of the homograph 'tear': one meaning a drop of water from the eye (pronounced 'teer'), and the other meaning to rip (pronounced 'tair').

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

In the sentence, 'The dog wagged its tail,' why is 'its' the correct choice?

• Because 'it's' means 'it is.'

• Because 'its' shows that the tail belongs to the dog.

• Because 'its' is a place.

• Because 'it's' shows ownership.

Answer explanation

'Its' is a possessive pronoun that shows ownership (the tail belongs to it). 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has' and would not make sense in the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

Match each term to its correct definition.

• Words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.

• Homonym

• Words that are spelled and sound the same but have different meanings.

• Homograph

• Words that are spelled the same but may have different meanings and pronunciations.

• Homophone

Answer explanation

Each term is matched with its precise definition. Homophones sound alike (sea/see), Homographs are spelled alike (lead/lead), and Homonyms are both (bat/bat).

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

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!

• It is a rite of passage to graduate.

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'right' means correct or accurate. The other options use 'write' (to form letters), 'right' (a direction), and 'rite' (a ceremony).

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

Which word correctly completes the sentence: I don't know _____ I should bring a jacket or not.

• weather

• whether

• wether

• where

Answer explanation

'Whether' is used to introduce a choice or uncertainty. 'Weather' refers to atmospheric conditions. 'Wether' is a type of sheep, and 'where' refers to a location.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1G

CCSS.L.K.4A

Choose the correct words: Are you _____ you know _____ to put the new bookshelf?

• shore / wear

• sure / where

• shore / where

• sure / wear

Answer explanation

'Sure' means certain or confident. 'Where' refers to a location. The other words, 'shore' (land by water) and 'wear' (to have on your body), do not fit the context.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1G

CCSS.L.K.4A

Read this sentence: 'The strong wind began to wind the kite string around the tree.' How are the two 'winds' different?

• They have the same meaning and pronunciation.

• The first is moving air; the second means to twist or turn. They are pronounced differently.

• The first means to twist; the second is moving air.

• They are just spelled the same by accident.

Answer explanation

This sentence uses a homograph. The first 'wind' (rhymes with 'sinned') is a noun for moving air. The second 'wind' (rhymes with 'find') is a verb meaning to wrap or twist around something.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

Match the word to the sentence where it is used correctly.

• He has strong moral principles.

• principal

• Our school principal gave a speech at the assembly.

• principle

• It's the principle of the matter; you should always be honest.

• principal

• The principal reason for our trip is to visit family.

• principle

Answer explanation

'Principal' can be a person (head of a school) or mean 'main/chief.' 'Principle' is a noun meaning a fundamental rule or belief. Each sentence correctly uses one of these homophones.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1G

CCSS.L.K.4A

Which sentence uses the homonym saw to mean a tool for cutting?

• I saw my friend at the mall yesterday.

• The carpenter used a sharp saw to cut the wood.

• The old saw about 'an apple a day' is good advice.

• We will see you tomorrow.

Answer explanation

In this sentence, 'saw' is a noun referring to a cutting tool. In the other options, 'saw' is the past tense of the verb 'to see' or part of an old saying.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C