English Toolkit

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26.1Homophones: Commonly confused homophones
TYPICAL ERROR I new that you would bring your knew skateboard.
CORRECTION I knew that you would bring your new skateboard.

EXPLANATION In Greek, homo means the same and phonos means sound (as in megaphone). Homophones are words that sound the same, such as knew and new.

It is easy to confuse homophones, though different people confuse different sets. One strategy is to choose one of the homophones and concentrate on fixing its meaning in your mind. Once you are sure of the meaning of that word, it will be easier to work out how its homophone should be used.

Memory tricks are helpful. So, for example, if you tend to confuse new and knew, say to yourself, 'I knew Kay at kindy'. (The k at the start of each word forms an image that helps you to remember.)

Drag the correct homophone into each sentence.
a
adolescence (when we are teenagers); adolescents (teenagers)
i. The
in the area were searching for Pokemon.

ii. Many people acquire their driving licence during
.

adolescence

adolescents



b
complement (from complete, e.g. the complement of the team); compliment (e.g. Your new hair style suits you.)
i. We all appreciate being paid a
when we have done something well.

ii. This is only the first delivery; the
of your order will arrive this afternoon.

complement

compliment



c
formally (from formal, e.g. formal dress); formerly (from former, i.e. previous)
The artist
known as Prince was an American singer-songwriter.

ii. On arriving at government house, the guests were
introduced to the governor.

formally

formerly



d
incidence (the rate of occurrence, e.g. 1 in 1000); incidents (events)
i. Fortunately, the
of measles dropped dramatically when immunisation was introduced.

ii. After three
involving bullying in the playground, the boys responsible were suspended.

incidence

incidents



e
lead (a heavy metal); led (the past tense of to lead, e.g. He led the camels ...)
Mercury and
are regarded as heavy metals.

Laura unhitched the reins and
the horse to the stable.

lead

led



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