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Common Homophones: Examples and Worksheet

What are Homophones?

Homophones are some of the trickiest words in the English language, but what is a homophone, anyway? They are defined as pairs (or sometimes triads) of words which sound the same, but which mean different things, like the classic homophones examples, there vs. their, and apart vs. a part. The prefix “homo-” means “the same,” while the root “phones” pertains to sound.

To keep your writing looking professional, it’s essential to know the correct usage of common homophones (pronounced: “HAA-muh-fohwns”), because mixing them up changes the meaning of what you’re trying to say. Aw, yikes!

Homophones list
Get ready for a homophones list!

Meanings of Homophones

To help learn the meanings of these commonly confused words, I have compiled the giant homophones word list below to help teach correct spelling, definitions, and usage, illustrated by fun cartoon lessons which solve the dilemma of which similarly-sounding word to use when.

Who am I to create this? My name is Lillie Marshall, and I’ve been an English teacher since 2003 — almost two decades! If you struggle with using homophones, you’re not alone; kids and adults around the world have used these lessons to improve their writing. Ready? Let’s learn!

Homophones: List of Examples

What are the most common and tricky pairs of homophones, and how can we remember the definitions to use the words correctly? This list gives meanings and examples in illustrated lessons!

Which Homophones are Hardest?

Now that you’ve seen this list, which of these pairs of homophones (or triads) do you find the trickiest to remember? For me, “its vs. it’s” always gets me, because it’s opposite the usual apostrophe rule of possession.

Worksheet on Homophones

How to TEACH Common Homophones

Want a printable (or electronic) four-page interactive lesson on more of the most commonly confused homophones — plus several other tricky editing errors? Click to see this grammar and editing worksheet from my online store, which gets high reviews! I hope you find it as useful and enjoyable as my students do. (Honestly — former pupils come back years later and say they remember these grammar and usage lessons fondly! It warms the heart of this teacher.)

VIDEO: Common Homophones

Homophones Examples to Add

Now it’s time to make requests! Which homophones examples would you like to see added to this list? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! Feel free to also browse my other English lessons, including commonly confused words, literary devices, and figurative language examples.

Homophones word list
Pin this to save and share this homophones word list!

Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious

Wednesday 26th of May 2021

This looks like such an informative post! Weather and whether get me too!

Soheila

Wednesday 26th of May 2021

whether and weather always gets me! The English language can be so overly complicated sometimes but I find your lessons and illustrations so helpful when it comes to simplifying things and breaking them down for easy understanding! Always great to have a little refresher!

Biana

Wednesday 26th of May 2021

Love your simple explanations and drawings! They always explain things well.

Lillie Marshall

Wednesday 26th of May 2021

Thanks, Biana! No need to get overly complex when the clearest and simplest explanation is more easily remembered and used!

Fiona Maclean

Monday 24th of May 2021

I love these clever examples to help improve my English!

Lillie Marshall

Monday 24th of May 2021

So glad to hear, Fiona! Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave a comment.