The ‘red squiggly line….
You are writing the initial chapter of your book on Microsoft Word. Intermittently, a red squiggly line appears under a misspelt word. Immediately, it is corrected and you let out a sigh of relief.
Now, rewind back. You are writing the initial chapter of your book on Microsoft Word. However, a helpful red line doesn’t appear under each misspelt word. Why? Because each misspelt word is a homophone. According to Oxford Dictionaries a homophone is
“each of two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling (e.g. new and knew)”.
The most common homophones
Just to let you know – we like helping people – so we have compiled a list of the most common homophones that confuse people. Some of the more difficult homophones have been explained.
Two – To
Here – Hear (Use here as an adverb to indicate location. Use hear as a verb to indicate listening)
There – Their (There can act as different parts of speech. Their is a pronoun.)
Week – Weak (Week means any period of time. Weak means lacking in force (usually strength) or ability when used as an adjective)
Sea – See (See is to perceive with the eyes. Sea meaning a pool or lake.)
Maid – Made
Pair – Pear
Saw –Sore
Cheque – Check
Wood – Would
Through – Threw (Threw is the past tense of the verb throw. Through is used to say that you entered on one side of something and exited on the other)
Hire – Higher
Fined – Find
Waist – Waste (Waist refers to a part of the body. Waste refers to excess material)
Poor – Paw
Knew – New
Court – Caught
Than – Then (Use than for comparisons: John is much taller than his brother. Use then to indicate the passage of time, or when)
We hope this list of homophones helps you in your writing. Remember, we can proofread all your written work for an affordable price!