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Don’t Get Hung Up on Homophones

Homophones are words that sound the same, but are spelled differently and have different meanings. Technically, when misused, they’re not misspelled—they’re just the wrong version of the word. The classic example that catches millions of unsuspecting e-mail writers off guard every day is here (where you are) and hear (what your ears do). Spelling a word correctly requires knowing its correct meaning. To test your current level of homophone health, choose the right words to complete the following sentences.

1. Since Jane came down with the mumps, she has looked lumpy and_________.

(pail/pale)

2. Bob is a man of__________; that’s why they made him the high school________.

(principal/principle)

3. To Jennifer’s delight, the _______of flowers wafted throughout the meadow.

(sent/scent)

4. Candy takes out her personalized___________to write a thankyou note to Carl.

(stationery/stationary)

5. Even if the______ outside is bad, I’m going,_______you come or not.

(whether/weather)

6. Bill, can you put________packages down over__________?

(there/their)

7. Sally, we are all going on break. Would you like to come________?

(to/too)

8. Jennifer just_______she was right about that wall color—it was perfect.

(new/knew)

9. Carol decided to wear something________for her_______trip home.

(plane/plain)

10. Chaz was_________with his chocolate, caramel-coated cashew phase, so he_______them out.

(threw/through)

Answers

1. Since Jane came down with the mumps she looked lumpy and pale.

2. Bob is a man of principle, that’s why they made him the high school principal.

3. To Jennifer’s delight, the scent of flowers wafted throughout the meadow.

4. Candy takes out her personalized stationery to write a thankyou note to Carl.

5. Even if the weather outside is bad, I’m going, whether you come or not.

6. Bill, can you put their packages down over there?

7. Sally, we are all going on break. Would you like to come too?

8. Jennifer just knew she was right about that wall color—it was perfect.

9. Carol decided to wear something plain for her plane trip home.

10. Chaz was through with his chocolate, caramel-coated cashew phase, so he threw them out.