Common Homophones

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Accept, except

• accept (to take)
  example – He asked me to marry him, and I accepted.
• except (other than)
  example – I love all their clothes except the skinny jeans.

aisle, I’ll, isle

• aisle (a passageway)
  example – Gnocchi is down aisle 12.
• I’ll (a contraction of `I will`)
  example – I’ll be there for you.
• isle (an island)
  example – I can’t wait for the Isle of White festival.

ale, ail

• ale (a beer type drink)
  example –  That bar sells great ales.
• ail (to have poor health)
  example –  My uncle is starting to ail, he`s been sick for a while.

aloud, allowed

• aloud (to speak loudly)
  example – I read the article aloud to the rest of the group.
• allowed (the past tense of allow)
  example – I’m not allowed out after 10:30 pm.

altar, alter

• altar (a table in a church)
  example – Jasmine was jilted at the altar.
• alter (to change)
  example – I might alter my hair do; I fancy a change for spring.

ant, aunt

• ant (a small insect)
  example – There is an ant nest in our garden.
• aunt (your mum’s or dad`s sister)
  example – My aunt has got ants in her kitchen.

ate, eight

• ate (the past tense of eat)
  example – I ate far too much at lunch.
• eight (a number)
  example – I ate eight pieces of chocolate.

bail, bale

• bail (release a prisoner before trial)
  example – The bail conditions for the murderer have been set.
• bale (a bundle)
  example – Hay bales are really cheap this year.

ball, bawl

• ball (a round object used in sports)
  example – The dog punctured our ball.
• bawl (a loud shout or yell)
  example – The kids are bawling their eyes out because they’ve lost their football.

band, banned

• band (a group, a ring)
  example – Have you heard of the band called Oasis?
• banned (prohibited)
  example – I can’t believe you are banned from Revolution.

bare, bear

• bare (to be naked)
  example – I slapped him across the face with my bare hand.
• bear (an animal)
  example – I saw a grizzly bear catch a salmon.

bases, basis

• bases (a starting point)
  example – Our bases are in the woods, yours are by the railway.
• basis (a principle)
  example – I only told you on the basis you’d keep it a secret.

be, bee

• be (to be/a conjunction)
  example – The children need to be quiet before we start the film.
• bee (an insect that makes honey)
  example – Be careful! Bees live in hives.

blew, blue

• blew (the past of blow)
  example – He huffed and he puffed and blew the house down.
• blue (a colour)
  example – Your eyes are blue, like the ocean.

board, bored

• board (a flat object)
  example – I’m buying a new surfboard as soon as I get paid.
• bored (to be fed up)
  example – I`m so bored of you always talking about yourself.

boy, buoy

• boy (a young man)
  example – I went into the Army a boy and came out a man.
• buoy (a floating device)
  example – The two boys raced out to the buoys.

brake, break

• brake (to stop)
  example – Perch your foot on the brake, these roads are narrow.
• break (to destroy)
  example – Please don’t break my new tennis racket.

buy, by, bye

• buy (purchase)
  example – Who will buy my beautiful roses?
• by (past/near)
  example – Down by the bay, where the watermelons grow.
• bye (goodbye)
  example – Goodbye my friend, I know you’re gone.

ceiling, sealing

• ceiling (Can you recommend someone to paint the ceiling?)
  example – Who will buy my beautiful roses?
• sealing (to cover/fasten/fix)
  example – The sealing around the bath is broken.

cell, sell

• cell (a small unit/organism)
  example – You’re going to be locked in a prison cell for the rest of your days.
• sell (to trade for money)
  example – I’m selling my cell phone.

cellar, seller

• cellar (the room underneath a house)
  example – I’m going to install a wine cellar.
• seller (a person who sells items)
  example – This seller has got bad reviews.

cent, scent, sent

• cent (a coin)
  example – 50 cent is my favourite rapper.
• scent (a smell/odour)
  example – This washing powder has a nice scent.
• sent (past tense of send)
  example – I sent the parcel 17 days ago.

cereal, serial

• cereal (a breakfast food)
  example – I eat cereal for breakfast.
• serial (continuing)
  example – Wendy`s house won best serial drama.

chews, choose

• chews (crush with teeth)
  example – The dog chews all my clothes.
• choose (select)
  example – I choose the blue shoes.

chilli, chilly

• chilli (a spicy vegetable)
  example – Don’t rub your eyes after chopping chilli!
• chilly (cold)
  example – It is a bit chilly out today.

cite, sight, site

• cite (to mention)
  example – I always cite my work.
• sight (vision)
  example – My eyesight is much better after the operation.
• site (a place)
  example – The kitchen looks like a building site.

coarse, course

• coarse (rough, uneven)
  example – One of my Yorkshire terriers has a coarse coat.
• course (a route, a dish, training)
  example – The golf course is flooded.

days, daze

• days (plural of day)
  example – Summer days are drifting away.
• daze (to be confused/stunned)
  example – The boxer is in a daze after the powerful punch.

dear, deer

• dear (expensive/loved/cherished)
  example – My dear old nan died aged 93.
• deer (an animal (Bambi))
  example – I want to buy some deer meat but it`s too dear.

desert, dessert

• desert (to abandon)
  example – My friends have deserted me.
• dessert (course that concludes a meal)
  example – Can I have the recipe for the delicious dessert?

die, dye

• die (death)
  example – Live and let die.
• dye (change colour)
  example – Let’s pretend to be hippies and tie-dye our shirts.

doe, dough

• doe (a female deer, rabbit, or rat)
  example – Doe a deer a female deer, ray a drop of golden sun.
• dough (masa for baking)
  example – Let the dough rise for 30 minutes before kneading it.

dual, duel

• dual (double)
  example – The new dual action toothbrush is now available.
• duel (a battle/fight)
  example – I challenge you to a duel in chess.

earn, urn

• earn (to gain)
  example – If I work on Saturday, I’ll earn 90 quid.
• urn (a pot used for storing dead people`s ashes)
  example – I’ll order the best urn in the catalogue; I earnt a lot this month.

elicit, illicit

• elicit (draw out)
  example – The teacher tried to elicit the answer from the class.
• illicit (illegal)
  example – They found a stash of illicit drugs in his flat.

eye, I

• eye (a bodily organ for sight)
  example – I’ve booked my eye test for Thursday.
• I (oneself)
  example – I am the best.

fair, fare

• fair (a big public party/to be ok)
  example – My Fair Lady.
• fare (pleasant/the fee/price)
  example – The fare for the fair has increased due to inflation.

feat, feet

• feat (great achievement)
  example – The contest is a feat of strength.
• feet (body parts below your legs)
  example – I`ve got two left feet when it comes to dancing.

find, fined

• find (to discover)
  example – If I find the coin, I`ll keep it.
• fined (past tense of fine)
  example – In England you can get fined for smoking inside.

flea, flee

• flea (small parasite)
  example – I found a flea on my dog.
• flee (to escape)
  example – Refugees flee war.

flew, flu

• flew (the past of fly)
  example – I caught a dragonfly, but it flew away.
• flu (a virus)
  example – I flew home a day early as I caught the flu.

flour, flower

• flour (white powder used in baking)
  example – Finally, add the flour and beat until smooth.
• flower (a colourful plant)
  example – I need a flower to brighten up my workspace.

for, fore, four

• for (as a preposition)
  example – I went to the bakery for lunch.
• fore (in front/before)
  example – I`m in love with that sports car on the forecourt.
• four (a number)
  example – Four fish are flinching.

forth, fourth

• forth (onwards)
  example – From that day forth, they were best friends.
• fourth (4th [cardinal number])
  example – May the 4th be with you.

foul, fowl

• foul (disgusting)
  example – Take the bins out will you, they smell foul!
• fowl (a game bird)
  example – I’m going to Gregory’s this weekend to hunt fowl.

grate, great

• grate (go against the flow)
  example – Can you grate a bit of cheese for the ravioli please?
• great (wonderful, fantastic)
  example – Goodness gracious great balls of fire!

grease, Greece

• grease (an oily substance)
  example – My new cleanser gets rid of grease and oil.
• Greece (a country)
  example – I`d love to visit Greece one day.

groan, grown

• groan (to moan, grunt)
  example – Don’t groan, you`re eating those vegetables.
• grown (the participle of grow)
  example – My kids have all grown up, time has flown by.

hare, hair

• hare (a big rabbit)
  example – The dogs are chasing a hare.
• hair (strands that grow on skin)
  example – I want to be a hairdresser when I`m older.

heal, heel

• heal (to get better)
  example – I sliced my finger, hopefully it`ll heal in a few days.
• heel (the back part of your foot)
  example – The heel on my favourite pair of shoes has broken.

hear, here

• hear (to listen)
  example – I can hear a horn beeping and motors running.
• here (this place)
  example –  I’ll be right here waiting for you.

higher, hire

• higher (taller)
  example – Mount Everest is higher than the Andes.
• hire (to rent)
  example – I`m going to hire a striper for Max`s stag do.

him, hymn

• him (referring to a man)
  example – Did you ask him yet?
• hymn (a religious song)
  example – I’ve chosen three beautiful hymns for the funeral.

hoarse, horse

• hoarse (a rough voice)
  example – I was singing too much at the match, now I’m hoarse.
• horse (an animal)
  example – It`s a two-horse race to the finish.

hole, whole

• hole (an open part in a surface)
  example – Somebody burnt a hole in my trousers.
• whole (entire)
  example – He’s got the whole world in his hands.

hour, our

• hour (a time)
  example – I`ll be with you in an hour or so.
• our (belonging to the speaker and others)
  example – Our house, in the middle of our street.

knead, need

• knead (to work dough with your hands)
  example – Knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
• need (to require something)
  example – All you need is love.

knew, new

• knew (the past tense of `know`)
  example – I knew you were waiting for me.
• new (up to date, 1st time)
  example – I want to be a part of it New York, New York.

knight, night

• knight (a warrior dressed in armour)
  example – King Arthur had lots of knights.
• night (the dark period after the day)
  example – Tonight’s the night.

knot, not

• knot (to tie)
  example – Tie a knot in your shoelaces before you trip over.
• not (no/never)
  example – That`s not a good idea.

know, no

• know (to understand)
  example – How will I know if he really loves me?
• no (refuse)
  example – No talking in the library.

knows, nose

• knows (third person of `know`)
  example – She knows more that she`s letting on.
• nose (the organ you breathe through)
  example – Everyone knows that her nose is fake.

lead, led

• lead (a poisonous metal)
  example – Lead based paints are now banned.
• led (the past simple of `lead`)
  example – The king led the troops into battle.

made, maid

• made (the past simple of `make`)
  example – I`m not made of money.
• maid (a young woman servant)
  example – Maid Marion and her merry men.

mail, male

• mail (to send)
  example – I’ll mail you the figures shortly.
• male (masculine)
  example – This toilet is for males only.

main, mane

• main (principal)
  example – Go through the main door and turn left.
• mane (the hair of a horse of lion)
  example – The mane of a lion grows as it gets older.

meat, meet

• meat (a dead animal for eating)
  example – What meat shall we buy for the barbeque?
• meet (to encounter)
  example – I hope we don’t meet any weirdos.

miner, minor

• miner (a worker in a mine)
  example – My dad was a miner all his life.
• minor (someone underage/less)
  example – Don’t buy booze for minors, it’s illegal!

missed, mist

• missed (the past simple of `miss`)
  example – I missed my plane because of the traffic jam.
• mist (a light fog)
  example – There’s mist around so be careful.

morning, mourning

• morning (the period before noon)
  example – I`ll see you in the morning bright and early.
• mourning (to be sad following a death)
  example – He`s mourning his dead wife.

muscles, mussels

• muscles (a bundle of fibrous tissue)
  example – With his bulging muscles, he could run to Brussels.
• mussels (a shelled mollusc we eat)
  example – Let’s go to the beach and collect mussels for tea.

none, nun 

• none (zero, nothing)
  example – I wanted a biscuit, but there were none left.
• nun ( a religious community)
  example – My sister is going to become a nun.

oar, ore, or

• oar (paddle for a small boat)
  example – Pass me an oar, I’ll help row.
• ore (raw material)
  example – That island is full of ores and minerals.
• or (either)
  example – Black or white?

one, won

• one (the number)
  example – There is one hour left to cast your vote.
• won (the past of `win`)
  example – I fought the law and the law won.

pair, pear

• pair (two of something)
  example – Can you bring me the blue pair of scissors?
• pear (a fruit)
  example – I’ll make a pear tart for Sunday.

pane, pain 

• pane (a flat sheet of material)
  example – The windowpane is cracked, it needs replacing.
• pain (when a part of your body hurts)
  example – Ironing is a pain in the bum.

passed, past

• passed (the past of `pass`)
  example – He passed the ball to Turner.
• past (a previous time/a preposition)
  example –  He`s got a dark past.

patience, patients 

• patience (to have endurance)
  example – All we need is just a little patience.
• patients (a person in medical care)
  example – The ward is full, there are 45 patients inside.

pause, paws

• pause (a short break)
  example – Let’s pause here for a sec…
• paws (animal feet)
  example – His paws are huge, he’s going to be a big dog.

peace, piece 

• peace (harmony/quiet)
  example – I`d love some peace and quiet.
• piece (a bit/portion)
  example – Take another little piece of my heart now.

peak, peek

• peak (the top of something)
  example – I peaked at 14:00, now I’m flagging.
• peek (to take a look)
  example – I`ll let you have a sneak peek at my wedding dress.

plain, plane 

• plain (simple)
  example – My stomach hurts, I’ll have something plain for tea.
• plane (an aircraft)
  example – Their plane is going to land soon.

poor, pore, pour

• poor (no money or possessions)
  example – I give all my old clothes to the poor.
• pore (holes on your skin’s surface)
  example –  I can’t wait to use my new pore cleansing face wash.
• pour (to make a liquid flow)
  example –  I know how to pour a pint, I used to work in a pub.

prince, prints 

• prince (a man of royalty)
  example – One day my prince will come.
• prints (to print/copies)
  example – These footprints suggest the cat is large.

principal, principle 

• principal (main/head of a school)
  example – Principal Skinner will see you now.
• principle (belief/rule)
  example – It’s against my principles to steal.

rain, reign, rein 

• rain (water coming from the sky)
  example – The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
• reign (to rule)
  example – I want to reign a country for centuries.
• rein (straps used to restrain)
  example –  Bring the reins for the toddler, he always runs away.

raise, rays 

• raise (to life)
  example – You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.
• rays (beams of light)
  example –  Take your shades, the rays are strong today.

read, red 

• read (the past of `read`)
  example – You read my mind.
• red (a colour)
  example – I wanted the red shoes, but they didn’t have my size.

right, write

• right (correct)
  example – You were right, we should’ve taken exit 37.
• write (to put pen to paper)
  example – I’ve already written the shopping list.

road, rode, rowed

• road (a street where the cars drive)
  example – Don’t park your car on that road at night.
• rode (the past simple of `ride`)
  example – I rode to work again today.
• rowed (the past simple of `row`)
  example – Team GB rowed their way to victory.

role, roll

• role (a part)
  example – I play the role of Judge George Berkshire.
• roll (move forward/a piece of bread)
  example – I’ve made you an egg-mayo roll.

root, route

• root (part of a plant that grows underground)
  example – Pull out the weeds from the root so they won’t grow back.
• route (a way/course)
  example – I`ve carefully planned my route so I shouldn’t get lost.

rose, rows

• rose (a flower)
  example – A secret admirer sent me a rose today.
• rows (a line)
  example – Sit in six rows of four.

sail, sale

• sail (to drive a boat)
  example – I`ll sail across the seven seas.
• sale (to exchange goods for. money/items on offer)
  example –  I bought these earrings in the sale.

scene, seen 

• scene (part of a play/a setting)
  example – The scene is filmed in a cemetery.
• seen (the past participle of `see`)
  example – Have you seen Jumanji?

sea(s), see(s) 

• sea(s) (the ocean)
  example – I live on Ocean Drive, it`s next to the sea
• see(s) (to look)
  example – I see a lovely bunch of coconuts.

sew, so, sow 

• sew (to stitch)
  example – I want to sew a cool patch on my jeans.
• so (as)
  example – So…chicken or beef?
• sow (plant seeds)
  example –  I must sow my beans before it’s too late.

soar, sore

• soar (to fly like a bird)
  example – The eagle soared through the sky.
• sore (to hurt/be painful)
  example –  I fell over at work and my wrist is sore.

sole, soul

• sole (the bottom of your foot/a fish)
  example – I`ve bought a nice bit of sole for supper.
• soul (the spiritual part of a being)
  example – The eyes are the window to the soul.

some, sum

• some (a part of something)
  example – Save me some pizza.
• sum (total)
  example – I`ll sum up the whole presentation at the end.

son, sun 

• son (your male child)
  example – Listen to me son and I’ll give you some free advice.
• sun (the hot ball in the sky)
  example – I want to see the sunshine after the rain.

stair(s), stare(s) 

• stair(s) (a step)
  example – Be careful of the bottom stair, it`s wobbly.
• stare(s) (a step/gaze for a long period)
  example – Don’t stare too much, you’ll go blind.

steal, steel

• steal (to rob/take)
  example – Stop stealing my tights, I need them for work.
• steel (a metal)
  example – I bought a new stainless-steel pan for the kitchen.

suite, sweet

• suite (a set of rooms/a sofa)
  example – My new three-piece suite is arriving in the morning.
• sweet (a candy)
  example – I have a really sweet tooth.

tail, tale

• tail (the end part of an animal)
  example – Why do they cut off dog’s tails?
• tale (a story)
  example –  Don’t tell tales.

tea, tee

• tea (a very British drink)
  example – I`ll put the kettle on and we can have a cup of tea.
• tee (a stand for a golf ball)
  example – I’m not very good at golf, I keep breaking all my tees.

tense, tents 

• tense (stressed/on edge)
  example – Things are tense in the office at the moment.
• tents (a fabric house)
  example – I’ve borrowed the tents off a mate.

their, there, they’re 

• their (belonging to them)
  example – Their kid keeps screaming.
• there (over there/a direction/place)
  example – There she goes.
• they’re (contraction of `they are)
  example – They`re coming at 8.

threw, through 

• threw (the past simple of `throw`)
  example – I threw eggs at Mrs. Humphrey`s windows.
• through (to enter/go past)
  example – Go through the shop and out the other side.

throne, thrown

• throne (a royal seat)
  example – The queen’s throne is made of gold.
• thrown (the past participle of `throw`)
  example – We have thrown six parties this year.

tide, tied

• tide (the ocean’s movement)
  example – Watch out! High tide is at 4:36 this afternoon.
• tied (to be busy/in a knot)
  example – My hands are tied, I can’t give you anymore discount.

to, too, two 

• to (as a preposition)
  example – Is this the way to Amarillo?
• too (also)
  example – Too many cooks spoil the broth.
• two (the number)
  example – Tonight, is the night when two become one.

toad, towed

• toad (a frog like creature)
  example – Can we have toad in the hole for dinner?
• towed (the past tense of `tow`)
  example – I parked on double yellow lines; my car got towed.

toe, tow

• toe (the fingers of your feet)
  example – I stubbed my little toe, I’m in bloody agony.
• tow (a vehicle pulling another vehicle)
  example – We`re going to tow the caravan to Edinburgh.

wail, whale 

• wail (to cry)
  example – The dog howls and wails all day.
• whale (a giant oceanic mammal)
  example – Where do you way a whale? A whale-weigh station!

waist, waste

• waist (mid-section of the body)
  example – I need a belt for a 38-inch waist.
• waste (rubbish/trash)
  example – Turn the lights off, don’t waste electricity!

wait, weight

• wait (pause for a while)
  example – Stop, wait a minute Mr. Postman.
• weight (how heavy something is)
  example – Can you guess the weight of my gerbil?

way(s), weigh(s)

• way(s) (a manner)
  example – I did it my way.
• weigh(s) (the weight of something)
  example – The little one weighs 15 pounds.

weak, week 

• weak (feeble/frail)
  example – I haven’t eaten all week; I feel so weak.
• week (seven days)
  example – I’ve just finished week one of my paleo diet.

wear, where

• wear (to have clothes on your body)
  example -I’ll wear my red heels as they match my bag.
• where (of place or position)
  example – Home is where the heart is.

weather, whether

• weather (atmospheric conditions)
  example – British people always talk about the weather.
• whether (a conjunction)
  example – I don’t know whether to go out tonight or not.

which, witch

• which (alternative preferences)
  example – Which do you prefer, yellow, gold or beige?
• witch (an ugly, evil, old woman)
  example – Which witch is the good witch?

who’s, whose

• who’s (the contraction of `who is`)
  example – Who’s that new guy who plays for United?
• whose (association, belonging)
  example – Whose round is it?

wood, would 

• wood (a material from trees)
  example – I can’t see the wood for the trees.
• would (past of will/a request/conditional)
  example – I would do anything for love.

your, you’re

• your (belonging to)
  example – I’ll see your £30, and I’ll raise you £15.
• you’re (the contraction of `you are`)
  example – You’re the one that I want.