Lesson One - Homonyms

Homonyms are words which are pronounced the same but have different meaning and different spellings. Below is a list of commonly confused homonyms. accept: to accept is to receive, admit or take on responsibility

I accept responsibility for the car accident. except: usually a preposition meaning other than or a conjunction meaning if it weren't for the fact that

I have every card except the ace of spades. affect: usually a verb meaning to have an influence on, to bring about a change

Eating too much can affect your weight. effect: usually a noun meaning result

The effect of the frost will be higher fruit prices. advice: a noun meaning an opinion about an action

The pediatrician gave advice on how to bathe infants. advise: a verb meaning to offer advice or recommend

I would advise you not to speed at night. forth: an adverb meaning forward in time, place or order

We went forth with our plans to move. fourth: follows third

I was fourth in line. its: shows possession, answers the question, "Whose?"

Its gas tank was empty. it's: contraction of it is

It's the third Sunday of the month. lose: to misplace something

How can you lose your wallet? loose: not tight, to set free

We let the dog loose during the day. no: the negative

Staying home alone is no way to spend a Saturday night. know: to possess knowledge

I know the entire alphabet. new: not old

Every summer I buy a new swimsuit. knew: past tense of know

I knew the answer but did not raise my hand. of: a preposition that links words

The lion is the king of beasts. have: a verb meaning to possess

They have eight children. Caution: don't contract have to of as in "This might of worked." It should be, "This might have worked," or "This might've worked."

principal: adjective meaning important or having to do with interest/capitalthe adjective is always spelled with an aThe principal of Denton High School is Bob Richards.

principle: noun that refers to a basic truth or law or a policyIt was against my principles to argue with the elderly man.

there: (1) indicates direction: The dog is over there.(2) subject: There are five cookies left.

their: shows possession: That is their new home. they're: contraction of they are: They're going to be late. to: (1) preposition used to link words: Mary went to the library.

(2) infinitive form of the verb: Bob likes to juggle. too: (1) refers to quantity: I ate too much.

(2) also: Sandy is going to the library too. two: the number two: We had two flowers to plant. were: verb: The twins were tired. where: direction or place: Where did I leave my glasses? whose: shows possession: Whose dirty shoes are on the carpet? who's: contraction of who is: Who's coming for supper? your: shows possession: Those are your dirty shoes. you're: contraction of you are: You're always late for supper.