Homophones are words that are pronounced the same, but have different spellings and frequently very different meanings. They trip up anyone learning English whether you’re a student or have English as a second language and are the bane of auto-correct and spellcheckers.
Here’s a guide to ten of the most commonly confusing homophones. Whether this is a reference guide, or a quick refresher, hopefully you can catch your next homophone before your sim gets sent!
1. there-their-they’re
There- is used as a pronoun or an adverb in a sentence
There will be a lot to eat at dinner tonight. (pronoun)
Put the PADD over there. (adverb)
Their- is a pronoun
The students put their uniform coats in the closet.
They’re- is a the contraction for they are
They’re going to attend the holodeck party.
2. accept-except
Accept- is a verb that means to receive something
The Bajoran Temple will accept donations through the first of the month.
Except- is a preposition that means to exclude
You may donate all items except weapons and yamok sauce.
3. lose-loose
Lose- To be defeated
If you do not think logically you will lose this game of three-dimensional chess.
Loose- Not fitting tightly or properly
Tugging at his dress uniform, Captain Kerk wished he had made the collar a little more loose.
4. it’s-its
It’s- is a contraction of it is
It’s too dangerous in the nebula, so we will stay here until the ion storm passes.
Its- is a possessive form of the word it
The cat is licking its paws.
5. bear-bare
Bear- Either the animal or the act of supporting
Did you know they have a brown bear at the Starbase 104 zoo?
Let me help you bear this burden.
Bare- Not being clothed or covered
He walked out of the sonic shower as bare as a Betazoid wedding.
6. aloud-allowed
Aloud- referring to something said out loud
The teacher read the assignment aloud to her class.
Allowed- referring to something that is permitted
Tribbles are allowed so long as they are properly sterilized.
7. you’re-your
You’re- is a contraction for you are
You’re going to be cleaning warp core manifolds if you talk back to the Chief Engineer again.
Your- is a pronoun
Please bring your completed assignment to class tomorrow.
8. week-weak
Week- is a period of seven days
You have one week to finish fixing this shuttlecraft before we will use it on a mission.
Weak- is having little physical strength or energy
The Romulan Ale hangover left her feeling very weak.
9. prey-pray
Prey- is a hunted animal or person
Separated from his away team in a warehouse crawling with hostile Breen the Ensign was feeling like easy prey.
Pray- is to beseech a higher power or make a devotion
Before going on duty the Bajoran officer stopped at the temple to pray to the Prophets.
10. weather-whether
Weather- The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time
The constantly changing springtime weather is driving us crazy.
Whether- Expressing a doubt
Please tell us whether you would prefer Vulcan or Klingon cuisine for dinner.
