Homophones And Confusing Words
Spoken Description
Learn homophones and confusing words in English. Practice common pairs and groups with definitions, examples, and pronunciation tips to improve your writing and speaking clarity.
Aprenda homófonas e palavras parecidas em português com exemplos, dicas de pronúncia e exercícios práticos para melhorar sua escrita e fala. Perfeito para estudantes de inglês iniciante a intermediário.
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Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and sometimes different spellings. This guide goes through common pairs and groups to help you tell them apart in writing and use.
Homophones
Homophones sound identical, so you must rely on meaning and context. Here are some frequent pairs.
To / Too / Two
To shows direction or purpose, too means also or excessively, and two is the number 2.
There / Their / They're
There points to a place, their shows possession, and they're is a contraction of they are.
Your / You're
Your shows possession, while you're is a contraction of you are.
Its / It's
Its shows possession, and it's is a contraction of it is or it has.
Confusing Words
Some words look or sound similar but have different meanings or uses. These pairs often cause mistakes.
Affect / Effect
Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence, and effect is usually a noun meaning the result.
Then / Than
Then relates to time or sequence, while than is used for comparisons.
Advise / Advice
Advise is a verb meaning to give a recommendation, and advice is a noun for the recommendation itself.
Principal / Principle
Principal can mean the person in charge or the main thing, while principle is a fundamental rule or belief.
Summary
Homophones sound the same but differ in meaning and sometimes spelling, so choose based on context. Confusing pairs look or sound similar but serve different functions; learn each one’s role through examples and practice.
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