Imagine going for an interview and getting a written task. It’s life. Anything is possible! You write ‘right’ instead of ‘write’ and your interview ends there. Ha-ha, that’s the power of homophones.
Homophones are similar sounding words with different spellings and different meanings. There is a sure short possibility that in spite of knowing the difference, in hurry we mess up or get confused between two similar sounding words. This error can be avoided through practice. Let’s deal with the basic examples and common errors people commit. So, let’s start with some famous homophones.
Homophones- Examples, meanings and usage
1) THEIR OR THERE

Their refers to an association or belongingness with people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.
Example: Parents are keen to help their children.
There refers to a place or a position assigned.
Example: Tom is standing there.
Often there is also used in some informal greetings like “Hello there!”
Do not get confused between the two words. Wrong spelling can change the whole context of the written word.
2) WRITE OR RIGHT

‘Write‘ refers to the verb which means to imprint letters, symbols etc.
Example: Tania writes very well.
But ‘Right‘ is used when something is morally good or true.
Example: Our parents are always right.
3) PRINCIPAL OR PRINCIPLE

Imagine writing a letter to the principal and getting the spelling wrong. Letter immediately denied. Principal is the most senior or important person in an organisation.
Example: I went to the principal’s office in the morning.
It can also mean a sum of money originally invested.
Example: The principal amount of your investment was very high.
On the other hand, principle is a fundamental truth or proposition around which a system of belief or behaviour revolves.
Example: The basic principles of judiciary include justice.
4) WEAK OR WEEK

Weak is a fatigue like situation where the body is very tired.
Example: I am very weak today.
While week refers to a period of seven days.
Example: The results will be out in a week.
5) QUIET OR QUITE

This can be very tricky sometimes. Quite means to the absolute degree; absolutely; completely.
Example: I am quite thorough with my research.
While quiet means very little or no noise.
Example: Be quiet until the teacher comes.
6) HERE OR HEAR

This is an easy one but in a hurry, we often mess up this too. Here means in, at, or to this place or position.
Example: I told Mike to come here.
It can also be used to introduce something.
Example: Here is a question that is quick to solve.
Hear refers to the act of perceiving sounds made by someone or being informed. Example: I hear some weird noises from the park.
7) WHERE OR WEAR

Where is generally used to refer a place or position.
Example: Where is the famous tea shop?
While wear on the other hand is to have (something) on one’s body as clothing, decoration, or protection.
Example: What are you wearing for the party tonight?
Now that you know the common mistakes, keep practising and drop in more homophones in the comments below. For learning English, join my Facebook group and follow me on my Instagram too. Let’s learn and spread all the knowledge we have.
You must watch my video below where I have explained homophones in detail.