131 Homophones With Their Meanings & Examples

Welcome to the world of homophones! If you’re learning English, you might find homophones both tricky and fascinating. In this article, you’ll discover 131 homophones, their meanings, and examples of how to use them in English.

Understanding homophones can improve your writing, speaking, and overall communication skills. Let’s dive in!

What Are Homophones?

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different spellings and different meanings. For example, “pair” and “pear” sound identical but refer to different things. Learning homophones helps you understand context and avoid confusion in both spoken and written English.

Why Are Homophones Important?

Homophones are important because they can change the meaning of a sentence. For instance, “bare” and “bear” sound alike but mean different things. Misusing homophones can lead to misunderstandings. Mastering them will help you communicate more clearly and effectively.

So, with that in mind let’s take a look at some common homophones with their meanings and examples.

Common Homophones With Their Meanings

Here’s a list of 131 common homophones. Each pair includes a brief definition and examples to clarify their usage.

1. Accessary vs. Accessory

• Accessary: A person who helps commit a crime, but is not present during the crime.
  • She was charged as an accessary to the robbery.
• Accessory: An additional item that enhances or completes something, like clothing or equipment.
  • She bought a matching accessory for her dress.

2. Ad vs. Add

• Ad: Short for advertisement.
  • Example: “She saw an ad for a new phone.”
• Add: To combine numbers or quantities.
  • Example: “Please add the numbers together.”

3. Ail vs Ale

• Ail: To suffer from pain or illness.
  • She took medicine to ease what ails her.
• Ale: A type of alcoholic drink, similar to beer.
  • He ordered a pint of ale at the pub.

4. Air vs. Heir

• Air: The invisible gas we breathe.
  • Example: “The air is fresh in the countryside.”
• Heir: A person legally entitled to inherit.
  • Example: “He is the heir to the family fortune.”

5. Aisle vs. Isle

• Aisle: A passage between rows of seats.
  • Example: “The movie theater has an aisle in the middle.”
• Isle: An island or peninsula.
  • Example: “They visited a beautiful isle during their vacation.”

6. Aloud vs. Allowed

• Aloud: Spoken out loud.
  • Example: “Please read the poem aloud.”
• Allowed: Permitted.
  • Example: “Pets are not allowed in the restaurant.”

7. Altar vs. Alter

• Altar: A table used in religious ceremonies.
  • Example: “The altar was decorated with flowers.”
• Alter: To change something.
  • Example: “She had to alter her dress to fit better.”

8. Aren’t vs. Aunt

• Aren’t: Contraction of “are not.”
  • Example: “They aren’t coming to the party.”
• Aunt: The sister of your parent.
  • Example: “My aunt is visiting us this weekend.”

9. Ate vs. Eight

• Ate: Past tense of eat.
  • Example: “She ate her lunch quickly.”
• Eight: The number 8.
  • Example: “There are eight slices of pizza.”

10. Bald vs. Bawled

• Bald: Lacking hair.
  • Example: “He is going bald and decided to shave his head completely.”
• Bawled: Cried loudly.
  • Example: “The child bawled when his toy broke.”

11. Bare vs. Bear

• Bare: Without covering.
  • Example: “He walked on the bare floor.”
• Bear: A large animal or to endure.
  • Example: “The bear hibernates in winter.”

12. Beat vs. Beet

• Beat: To strike repeatedly or a musical rhythm.
  • Example: “He beat the drum to the rhythm of the music.”
• Beet: A type of root vegetable.
  • Example: “She made a salad with fresh beet slices.”

13. Bald vs. Bawled

• Bald: Lacking hair.
  • Example: “He is going bald and decided to shave his head completely.”
• Bawled: Cried loudly.
  • Example: “The child bawled when his toy broke.”

14. Ball vs. Bawl

• Ball: A round object used in games.
  • Example: “The ball rolled down the hill.”
• Bawl: To cry loudly.
  • Example: “The baby began to bawl.”

15. Band vs. Banned

• Band: A group of musicians or a strip of material.
  • Example: “The band played my favorite song.”
• Banned: Forbidden by law or rules.
  • Example: “The movie was banned in some countries.”

16. Bean vs. Been

• Bean: A type of seed or vegetable.
  • Example: “She added beans to the soup.”
• Been: Past participle of be.
  • Example: “I have been there before.”

17. Billed vs. Build

• Billed: Charged or invoiced for something.
  • Example: “He was billed for the repairs.”
• Build: To construct or assemble.
  • Example: “They plan to build a new house.”

18. Board vs. Bored

• Board: A flat piece of material or to get on a vehicle.
  • Example: “They nailed the board to the wall.”
• Bored: Feeling uninterested.
  • Example: “She felt bored during the lecture.”

18. Bold vs. Bowled

• Bold: Confident or daring.
  • Example: “She made a bold decision.”
• Bowled: Past tense of bowl; to roll a ball in a game.
  • Example: “He bowled a perfect strike.”

20. Bolder vs. Boulder

• Bolder: More daring or courageous.
  • Example: “She became bolder in her decisions.”
• Boulder: A large rock.
  • Example: “A boulder blocked the path.”

21. Born vs. Borne

• Born: To come into existence or be brought into life.
  • Example: “He was born in April.”
• Borne: Carried or endured.
  • Example: “The weight of the responsibility was borne by her alone.”

22. Brake vs. Break

• Brake: A device for slowing or stopping a vehicle.
  • Example: “He pressed the brake to stop the car.”
• Break: To separate into pieces or a pause.
  • Example: “Be careful not to break the vase.”

23. Buy vs. By vs. Bye

• Buy: To purchase something.
  • Example: “I want to buy a new phone.”
• By: Next to or through.
  • Example: “She sat by the window.”
• Bye: A farewell expression.
  • Example: “Say bye to your friends.”

24. Canvas vs. Canvass

• Canvas: A strong, heavy cloth used for painting or making tents.
  • Example: “The artist painted a masterpiece on the canvas.”
• Canvass: To seek support or votes.
  • Example: “They canvassed the neighborhood for donations.”

25. Capital vs. Capitol

• Capital: A city where the government is located or money.
  • Example: “Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States.”
• Capitol: A building where a legislative body meets.
  • Example: “The Capitol building is in Washington, D.C.”

26. Carat vs. Caret vs. Carrot vs. Karat

• Carat: A unit of weight for precious stones.
  • Example: “The diamond is two carats.”
• Caret: A symbol (^) used in writing or editing to indicate insertion.
  • Example: “Use a caret to add missing text.”
• Carrot: A root vegetable.
  • Example: “She chopped a carrot for the salad.”
• Karat: A measure of gold purity.
  • Example: “The ring is 24 karat gold.”

27. Cast vs. Caste

• Cast: To throw or shape material.
  • Example: “She cast her fishing line into the water.”
• Caste: A social class or group.
  • Example: “The caste system is still prevalent in some cultures.”

28. Cell vs. Sell

• Cell: A small room or biological unit.
  • Example: “He spent the night in a jail cell.”
• Sell: To exchange something for money.
  • Example: “She wants to sell her old car.”

29. Cereal vs. Serial

• Cereal: A breakfast food made from grains.
  • Example: “I eat cereal every morning.”
• Serial: A series or sequence.
  • Example: “She watches a TV serial every week.”

30. Chose vs. Choose

• Chose: Past tense of choose.
  • Example: “He chose the red dress yesterday.”
• Choose: To select from options.
  • Example: “You must choose a flavor for the ice cream.”

31. Chord vs. Cord

• Chord: A combination of musical notes.
  • Example: “The song starts with a G chord.”
• Cord: A thin, flexible string or rope.
  • Example: “She tied the package with a cord.”

32. Cite vs. Sight vs. Site

• Cite: To quote as evidence.
  • Example: “Please cite your sources.”
• Sight: The ability to see.
  • Example: “The mountain is a beautiful sight.”
• Site: A location or place.
  • Example: “The site of the battle is now a park.”

33. Complement vs. Compliment

• Complement: Something that completes or enhances.
  • Example: “The wine is a perfect complement to the meal.”
• Compliment: A polite expression of praise.
  • Example: “She received many compliments on her dress.”

34. Council vs. Counsel

• Council: A group of people assembled for advice or decision-making.
  • Example: “The city council meets every month.”
• Counsel: Advice or guidance.
  • Example: “She sought counsel from her mentor.”

35. Creak vs. Creek

• Creak: A squeaky noise.
  • Example: “The door made a creak when opened.”
• Creek: A small stream.
  • Example: “They went fishing in the creek.”

36. Currant vs. Current

• Currant: A small dried fruit.
  • Example: “She added currants to the cake.”
• Current: A flow of water, air, or electricity, or happening now.
  • Example: “The current news is alarming.”

37. Cymbal vs. Symbol

• Cymbal: A musical instrument made of a circular metal plate.
  • Example: “The drummer hit the cymbal.”
• Symbol: A mark or sign representing something.
  • Example: “The heart is a symbol of love.”

38. Dam vs. Damn

• Dam: A barrier built to hold back water.
  • Example: “The dam controls the river’s flow.”
• Damn: A curse word used to express anger or frustration.
  • Example: “He muttered a damn under his breath.”

39. Dear vs. Deer

• Dear: Used in a letter or as a term of endearment.
  • Example: “Dear John, I hope you are well.”
• Deer: A type of animal.
  • Example: “A deer ran across the road.”

40. Desert vs. Dessert

• Desert: A dry, barren area of land.
  • Example: “The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert.”
• Dessert: A sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.
  • Example: “We had ice cream for dessert.”

41. Die vs. Dye

• Die: To cease living or a singular of dice.
  • Example: “The plant will die without water.”
• Dye: A substance used to color materials.
  • Example: “She used blue dye to color her hair.”

42. Duo vs. Due

• Duo: A pair of people or things.
  • Example: “The musical duo performed beautifully.”
• Due: Expected or owed.
  • Example: “The report is due on Friday.”

43. Elicit vs. Illicit

• Elicit: To draw out a response.
  • Example: “The joke elicited laughter from the audience.”
• Illicit: Forbidden by law or custom.
  • Example: “He was involved in illicit activities.”

44. Fair vs. Fare

• Fair: Just or light in color.
  • Example: “She has fair skin.”
• Fare: The cost of a ticket or to get along.
  • Example: “The bus fare is $2.”

45. Faint vs. Feint

• Faint: Lacking strength or barely perceptible.
  • Example: “He felt faint after standing for a long time.”
• Feint: A deceptive movement in sports or fighting.
  • Example: “He made a feint to the left and then attacked.”

46. Faze vs. Phase

• Faze: To disturb or disconcert.
  • Example: “The sudden noise did not faze her.”
• Phase: A stage in a process.
  • Example: “The project is in its final phase.”

47. Flair vs. Flare

• Flair: A special or instinctive aptitude or style.
  • Example: “She has a flair for fashion.”
• Flare: A sudden burst of light or emotion.
  • Example: “The flare of the match lit up the dark room.”

48. Flew vs. Flu

• Flew: Past tense of fly.
  • Example: “They flew to Paris last week.”
• Flu: Short for influenza, a viral illness.
  • Example: “He caught the flu and had to stay home.”

49. Flower vs. Flour

• Flower: The bloom of a plant.
  • Example: “She picked a beautiful flower from the garden.”
• Flour: A powder used in baking.
  • Example: “You need flour to make bread.”

50. For vs. Four

• For: A preposition indicating purpose or reason.
  • Example: “This gift is for you.”
• Four: The number 4.
  • Example: “There are four apples on the table.”

51. Foul vs. Fowl

• Foul: Unpleasant or offensive, often used in sports for rule violations.
  • Example: “The garbage had a foul smell.”
• Fowl: A bird, especially a domestic one.
  • Example: “Chickens are common farm fowl.”

52. Gait vs. Gate

• Gait: A manner of walking.
  • Example: “His gait was slow and deliberate.”
• Gate: A movable barrier.
  • Example: “Close the gate when you leave.”

53. Genes vs. Jeans

• Genes: The basic units of heredity.
  • Example: “Her blue eyes are due to her genes.”
• Jeans: A type of pants made from denim.
  • Example: “She wore her favorite jeans.”

54. Gilt vs. Guilt

• Gilt: A thin layer of gold or a wealthy person.
  • Example: “The frame has a gilt finish.”
• Guilt: A feeling of having committed a crime or wrongdoing.
  • Example: “He felt guilt after breaking the vase.”

55. Grate vs. Great

• Grate: To shred or scrape into small pieces.
  • Example: “She will grate the cheese for the recipe.”
• Great: Magnificent or large.
  • Example: “It was a great day at the beach.”

56. Guessed vs. Guest

• Guessed: Made an assumption or prediction.
  • Example: “He guessed the answer correctly.”
• Guest: A visitor or someone invited.
  • Example: “We have a guest staying with us.”

57. Higher vs. Hire

• Higher: More elevated or above.
  • Example: “She climbed to a higher position.”
• Hire: To employ someone or rent something.
  • Example: “They decided to hire a new manager.”

58. Him vs. Hymn

• Him: A pronoun used to refer to a male.
  • Example: “She gave the book to him.”
• Hymn: A song of praise, usually religious.
  • Example: “They sang a hymn during the service.”

59. Hoard vs. Horde

• Hoard: To accumulate or store away.
  • Example: “She likes to hoard old newspapers.”
• Horde: A large group of people.
  • Example: “A horde of fans gathered outside the stadium.”

60. Hoarse vs. Horse

• Hoarse: Having a rough or weak voice.
  • Example: “She was hoarse after shouting all day.”
• Horse: A large domesticated animal used for riding.
  • Example: “She rode her horse through the field.”

61. Hole vs. Whole

• Hole: An opening or gap.
  • Example: “There is a hole in my sock.”
• Whole: Complete or entire.
  • Example: “I ate the whole pizza by myself.”

62. Hour vs. Our

• Hour: A period of 60 minutes.
  • Example: “The meeting lasted an hour.”
• Our: Belonging to us.
  • Example: “This is our house.”

63. Humerus vs. Humorous

• Humerus: A bone in the upper arm.
  • Example: “The humerus is the long bone in the upper arm.”
• Humorous: Funny or making you laugh.
  • Example: “She told a humorous joke.”

64. Idle vs. Idol

• Idle: Not active or in use.
  • Example: “The car has been idle for months.”
• Idol: A person or thing greatly admired.
  • Example: “She is a pop idol.”

65. Knead vs. Need

• Knead: To work dough with hands.
  • Example: “Knead the dough until smooth.”
• Need: To require something.
  • Example: “I need a break.”

66. Knew vs. New

• Knew: Past tense of know.
  • Example: “She knew the answer immediately.”
• New: Not old or recently made.
  • Example: “She bought a new car.”

67. Knight vs. Night

• Knight: A person granted an honorary title of knighthood.
  • Example: “The knight wore shining armor.”
• Night: The period between sunset and sunrise.
  • Example: “It was a clear night.”

68. Knot vs. Not

• Knot: A loop of rope or string.
  • Example: “Tie a knot to secure the package.”
• Not: A word used to make a verb negative.
  • Example: “I will not go to the party.”

69. Know vs. No

• Know: To be aware of something.
  • Example: “I know the solution to the problem.”
• No: A negative response.
  • Example: “No, I don’t want more coffee.”

70. Lessen vs. Lesson

• Lessen: To reduce or make less.
  • Example: “The pain will lessen over time.”
• Lesson: A period of learning or instruction.
  • Example: “Today’s lesson is about homophones.”

71. Maid vs. Made

• Maid: A person who works in the household.
  • Example: “The maid cleaned the room.”
• Made: Past tense of make.
  • Example: “She made a beautiful cake.”

72. Mail vs. Male

• Mail: Letters and packages sent through the postal system.
  • Example: “The mail carrier delivered a package.”
• Male: Referring to the gender.
  • Example: “He is a male teacher.”

73. Meat vs. Meet

• Meat: The flesh of animals used as food.
  • Example: “She prefers to eat beef meat.”
• Meet: To come into the presence of someone.
  • Example: “Let’s meet at the café.”

74. Might vs. Mite

• Might: Possibility or power.
  • Example: “I might go to the store later.”
• Mite: A small insect or arachnid.
  • Example: “The mite was found on the plant.”

75. Navel vs. Naval

• Navel: The belly button.
  • Example: “The navel is located at the center of the abdomen.”
• Naval: Related to the navy.
  • Example: “He works in the naval department.”

76. New vs. Knew

• New: Recently made or discovered.
  • Example: “She bought a new car.”
• Knew: Past tense of know.
  • Example: “He knew the answer to the question.”

77. Pail vs. Pale

• Pail: A bucket.
  • Example: “She filled the pail with water.”
• Pale: Lacking color or brightness.
  • Example: “His face went pale when he heard the news.”

78. Pair vs. Pare vs. Pear

• Pair: Two items that go together.
  • Example: “I bought a pair of shoes.”
• Pare: To trim or reduce.
  • Example: “She will pare the apple before eating it.”
• Pear: A fruit.
  • Example: “He ate a juicy pear.”

79. Patience vs. Patients

• Patience: The ability to wait calmly.
  • Example: “She showed great patience with the children.”
• Patients: People receiving medical care.
  • Example: “The doctor has many patients to see today.”

80. Peace vs. Piece

• Peace: A state of tranquility.
  • Example: “She enjoys the peace and quiet of the countryside.”
• Piece: A part or portion of something.
  • Example: “He took a piece of cake.”

81. Peak vs. Peek vs. Pique

• Peak: The top of a mountain or highest point.
  • Example: “They reached the peak of the mountain.”
• Peek: To look quickly or secretly.
  • Example: “She took a quick peek at her gift.”
• Pique: To stimulate interest or curiosity.
  • Example: “The article piqued my interest.”

82. Plain vs. Plane

• Plain: Simple or not decorated.
  • Example: “She wore a plain dress.”
• Plane: An aircraft or a flat surface.
  • Example: “The plane took off from the airport.”

83. Pore vs. Pour

• Pore: A small opening in the skin or material.
  • Example: “The skin has tiny pores.”
• Pour: To cause a liquid to flow.
  • Example: “She will pour the tea into the cup.”

84. Principal vs. Principle

• Principal: The head of a school or main.
  • Example: “The principal gave a speech at the assembly.”
• Principle: A fundamental truth or belief.
  • Example: “He lives by the principle of honesty.”

85. Profit vs. Prophet

• Profit: Financial gain.
  • Example: “The business made a significant profit.”
• Prophet: A person who predicts future events.
  • Example: “The prophet delivered a message of hope.”

86. Rain vs. Reign vs. Rein

• Rain: Water falling from clouds.
  • Example: “It’s going to rain tomorrow.”
• Reign: The period of a ruler’s sovereignty.
  • Example: “The king’s reign lasted 50 years.”
• Rein: A strap used to control a horse.
  • Example: “She pulled the rein to stop the horse.”

87. Rays vs. Raise

• Rays: Lines of light or energy.
  • Example: “The rays of the sun were warm.”
• Raise: To lift or elevate.
  • Example: “She will raise the flag.”

88. Read vs. Reed

• Read: To look at and comprehend written words.
  • Example: “I read the book last night.”
• Reed: A tall, slender plant often found near water.
  • Example: “The wind rustled the reeds by the lake.”

89. Read vs. Red

• Read: Past tense of read (to look at written words).
  • Example: “She read the article yesterday.”
• Red: A color.
  • Example: “He wore a red shirt.”

90. Right vs. Write

• Right: Correct or a direction.
  • Example: “Turn right at the intersection.”
• Write: To form letters or words on paper.
  • Example: “Please write your name here.”

91. Rite vs. Right

• Rite: A ceremonial act.
  • Example: “The wedding rite was beautiful.”
• Right: Correct or a direction.
  • Example: “You have the right answer.”

92. Root vs. Route

• Root: The underground part of a plant.
  • Example: “The tree’s roots are deep.”
• Route: A path or direction taken.
  • Example: “Take the fastest route home.”

93. Rose vs. Rows

• Rose: A type of flower or past tense of rise.
  • Example: “She picked a red rose from the garden.”
• Rows: Lines of things placed side by side.
  • Example: “The chairs were arranged in rows.”

94. Sail vs. Sale

• Sail: A piece of cloth used to catch the wind on a boat.
  • Example: “The sail was set to catch the wind.”
• Sale: The act of selling something or a discount event.
  • Example: “There is a sale at the store.”

95. Sauce vs. Source

• Sauce: A liquid or semi-liquid condiment.
  • Example: “She poured sauce over the pasta.”
• Source: The origin of something.
  • Example: “He cited the source of the information.”

96. Saw vs. Soar vs. Sore

• Saw: Past tense of see; also a tool for cutting.
  • Example: “I saw her at the market.”
• Soar: To fly or rise high in the air.
  • Example: “The eagle soared above the mountains.”
• Sore: Painful or aching.
  • Example: “Her throat was sore from coughing.”

97. Scene vs. Seen

• Scene: A part of a play or movie.
  • Example: “The final scene was emotional.”
• Seen: Past participle of see.
  • Example: “I have seen that movie twice.”

98. Scent vs. Sent

• Scent: A smell or fragrance.
  • Example: “The scent of roses filled the room.”
• Sent: Past tense of send.
  • Example: “She sent a letter to her friend.”

99. Sea vs. See

• Sea: A large body of saltwater.
  • Example: “The ship sailed across the sea.”
• See: To perceive with the eyes.
  • Example: “I can see the stars tonight.”

100. Seas vs. Sees vs. Seize

• Seas: Plural of sea.
  • Example: “The ship crossed many seas.”
• Sees: Third-person singular of see.
  • Example: “He sees the difference now.”
• Seize: To take hold of suddenly.
  • Example: “They plan to seize the opportunity.”

101. Serial vs. Cereal

• Serial: A story or play in regular parts.
  • Example: “He watches a TV serial every night.”
• Cereal: A breakfast food.
  • Example: “She poured cereal into a bowl.”

102. Site vs. Sight vs. Cite

• Site: A location or place.
  • Example: “The construction site is noisy.”
• Sight: Vision or a view.
  • Example: “The sight of the mountains was breathtaking.”
• Cite: To reference or mention.
  • Example: “Be sure to cite your sources.”

103. Sole vs. Soul

• Sole: The bottom of a shoe or being the only one.
  • Example: “The sole of his shoe was worn out.”
• Soul: The spiritual part of a person.
  • Example: “Music speaks to the soul.”

104. Some vs. Sum

• Some: An unspecified amount or number.
  • Example: “Can I have some water?”
• Sum: The total amount resulting from addition.
  • Example: “The sum of 2 and 3 is 5.”

105. Son vs. Sun

• Son: A male child.
  • Example: “They have a son and a daughter.”
• Sun: The star at the center of our solar system.
  • Example: “The sun is shining brightly.”

106. Sort vs. Sought

• Sort: To arrange in order or kind.
  • Example: “Please sort the documents.”
• Sought: Past tense of seek; to search for something.
  • Example: “She sought advice from her mentor.”

107. Stair vs. Stare

• Stair: A step in a staircase.
  • Example: “She climbed the stairs to the second floor.”
• Stare: To look fixedly.
  • Example: “He stared at the painting for a long time.”

108. Stake vs. Steak

• Stake: A wooden or metal post, or an interest in something.
  • Example: “He drove the stake into the ground.”
• Steak: A slice of meat, typically beef.
  • Example: “They grilled a steak for dinner.”

109. Stationary vs. Stationery

• Stationary: Not moving.
  • Example: “The car was stationary at the traffic light.”
• Stationery: Writing materials like paper and envelopes.
  • Example: “She bought new stationery for writing letters.”

110. Steal vs. Steel

• Steal: To take something unlawfully.
  • Example: “He tried to steal a wallet.”
• Steel: A strong metal.
  • Example: “The building is made of steel.”

111. Sweet vs. Suite

• Sweet: Having a sugary taste.
  • Example: “She loves sweet desserts.”
• Suite: A set of connected rooms, especially in a hotel.
  • Example: “They booked a suite for their stay.”

112. Swat vs. Swot

• Swat: To hit sharply, usually to kill insects.
  • Example: “He swatted the fly with a newspaper.”
• Swot: To study hard.
  • Example: “She swotted all night for the exam.”

113. Tale vs. Tail

• Tale: A story or narrative.
  • Example: “She told a fascinating tale.”
• Tail: The rear part of an animal.
  • Example: “The dog wagged its tail.”

114. Their vs. There vs. They’re

• Their: Belonging to them.
  • Example: “Their house is big.”
• There: Refers to a place.
  • Example: “The book is over there.”
• They’re: Contraction of “they are.”
  • Example: “They’re going to the park.”

115. Throne vs. Thrown

• Throne: A ceremonial chair for a monarch.
  • Example: “The king sat on his throne.”
• Thrown: Past participle of throw.
  • Example: “The ball was thrown across the field.”

116. To vs. Too vs. Two

• To: A preposition used for direction.
  • Example: “She went to the store.”
• Too: Also or excessively.
  • Example: “It’s too hot today.”
• Two: The number 2.
  • Example: “They have two cats.”

117. Toe vs. Tow

• Toe: A digit on the foot.
  • Example: “He stubbed his toe on the chair.”
• Tow: To pull something behind a vehicle.
  • Example: “They need to tow the car to the garage.”

118. Vain vs. Vane vs. Vein

• Vain: Excessively proud of one’s appearance.
  • Example: “She was vain about her looks.”
• Vane: A blade that shows wind direction.
  • Example: “The weather vane spun in the wind.”
• Vein: A blood vessel or a mineral deposit.
  • Example: “The vein in his arm was visible.”

119. Vial vs. Vile

• Vial: A small container for liquids.
  • Example: “The doctor used a vial for the medicine.”
• Vile: Extremely unpleasant or bad.
  • Example: “The smell was vile.”

120. Wail vs. Whale

• Wail: A loud, mournful cry.
  • Example: “The baby’s wail woke everyone up.”
• Whale: A large marine mammal.
  • Example: “We saw a whale during our ocean tour.”

121. Waist vs. Waste

• Waist: The part of the body between ribs and hips.
  • Example: “She wore a belt around her waist.”
• Waste: To use carelessly or discarded material.
  • Example: “Do not waste food.”

122. Ware vs. Wear vs. Where

• Ware: Goods or merchandise.
  • Example: “The market sells kitchenware.”
• Wear: To have on the body as clothing.
  • Example: “She likes to wear bright colors.”
• Where: A location or place.
  • Example: “Where are you going?”

123. Wary vs. Weary

• Wary: Cautious or watchful.
  • Example: “She was wary of the stranger.”
• Weary: Feeling tired or exhausted.
  • Example: “He felt weary after the long journey.”

124. Weak vs. Week

• Weak: Lacking strength.
  • Example: “He felt weak after the illness.”
• Week: A period of seven days.
  • Example: “She will arrive next week.”

125. Weather vs. Whether

• Weather: The state of the atmosphere.
  • Example: “The weather today is sunny.”
• Whether: A conjunction used to introduce alternatives.
  • Example: “I don’t know whether to go or stay.”

126. Which vs. Witch

• Which: Used to specify one or more items.
  • Example: “Which book are you reading?”
• Witch: A person with magical powers.
  • Example: “The story is about a wicked witch.”

127. Whine vs. Wine

• Whine: A high, complaining sound.
  • Example: “The dog began to whine.”
• Wine: An alcoholic beverage made from grapes.
  • Example: “They enjoyed a glass of red wine.”

128. Wright vs. Write

• Wright: A person who builds or repairs.
  • Example: “A shipwright repairs boats.”
• Write: To form letters or words on paper.
  • Example: “He will write a letter.”

129. Yoke vs. Yolk

• Yoke: A device for joining two animals together.
  • Example: “The oxen wore a yoke.”
• Yolk: The yellow part of an egg.
  • Example: “The recipe calls for egg yolks.”

130. Your vs. You’re

• Your: Possessive form of you.
  • Example: “Is this your book?”
• You’re: Contraction of “you are.”
  • Example: “You’re going to love this place.”

131. You’ll vs. Yule

• You’ll: Contraction of “you will.”
  • Example: “You’ll enjoy the movie tonight.”
• Yule: Another term for Christmas or the winter holiday season, often referring to old traditions.
  • Example: “They decorated their home for Yule with a festive wreath.”

Homonyms vs. Homophones vs. Homographs

Understanding the differences between homonyms, homophones, and homographs can clarify many confusing aspects of English. Here’s a simple guide to help you differentiate these terms:

Homonyms

• Definition: Homonyms are words that are pronounced the same or are spelled the same but have different meanings. Homonyms can homophones, homographs, or both.
• Example: “Kind.”
  • Kind (noun) means a type or category of something.
  • Kind (adjective) means being friendly, generous, or considerate.

Homophones

• Definition: Homophones are words that are pronounced the same but have different spellings and meanings.
• Example: “Flour” and “flower.”
  • Flour is a baking ingredient.
  • Flower is a blooming plant.

Homographs

• Definition: Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations.
• Example: “Lead.”
  • Lead (noun) refers to a type of metal.
  • Lead (verb) means to guide or direct.

Key Differences

• Sound: Homophones sound the same. Homographs are spelled the same but may sound different. Homonyms sound the same or are spelled the same. Essentially, homonyms are words that are either homophones or homographs.
• Spelling: Homophones have different spellings. Homographs have the same spelling.

Understanding these differences will help you use words correctly and enhances your communication skills. Keep these definitions in mind as you read and write in English.