The 5 Big Homonyms

(words that sound alike but are spelled differently)

 

To      means “toward” (e.g. to school) and is used with verbs (e.g. to see)

Too    means “also” (e.g. I’ll go too.) or an excessive amount of something (e.g. too much)

Two   means the number 2


Going ___ the beach, we passed ___ hamburger stands. Jerry was ___ hungry ___ walk any farther, so we stopped at the next one. He had French fries and a Coke, ___ . When it was time ___ leave, he said he was ___ full ___ swim. He wasn’t ___ happy!

Their       shows possession and ownership (e.g. Their children live in another state.)

There       refers to a place (e.g. He parked his car over there.)

They’re    is a contraction for “they are” (They’re disrespectful.)

 

When the Smiths go to Africa, ____ going to ship ____ possessions over ____ before they leave. ____ are some things they can’t buy ____ , so it will be important to have ____ own belongings available when ____ getting settled.

Then   refers to time (e.g. We then went to a restaurant.)

Than   is used in comparisons (e.g. I worked harder than he did.)

 

The parade started at First Avenue; ____ it turned left onto St. Germain Street. This parade was longer ____ last year’s, and it had more floats ____ last year’s, too. In fact, it stretched farther ____ I could see down the street. I watched for an hour and ____ went home happy. The parade, ____, was a success.

Your      shows possession and ownership (e.g. I’m sorry that I hit your face.)

You’re    is a contraction for “you are” (e.g. You’re really smart.)

 

Its           shows possession and ownership (e.g. Its color was green.)

It’s          is a contraction for “it is” (e.g. It’s a beautiful day.)


____ never too late to begin work on ____ spelling. _____ learning homonyms because the spelling of each changes ____ meaning. ____ learning spelling rules and discovering that each one has  ____ special uses and limitations. ____ sure to improve with effort, and ____ progress will give you encouragement. ____ not so difficult!