Words that Sound the Same but have Different Meanings

Common Homonyms (Homophones and Homographs)

Words that Sound the Same – Part 1

English is a very difficult language to master. Since the advent of English, hundreds of years ago, words from many other languages have been, and are still being, incorporated into English. Pronunciation has also changed. All those varying sounds have been crammed into twenty-six letters, resulting in many letters playing double-duty in order to accommodate different meanings and sounds.

This article contains a short, not complete, list of confusing words: words that sound the same and mean completely different things, also known as Homonyms.

There are actually two different classes of homonyms:
1. Words that are pronounced the same but spelled differently and have different meanings. For example, "right" "and write". These are called homophones.

2. Words that are spelled the same but have different meanings or pronunciations. For example, "fish" (singular) and "fish" (plural) are pronounced the same and are spelled the same but have different meanings, whereas "bow" (of a ship) and "bow" (as in bow and arrow) are also pronounced differently. These are called homographs.

Examples of Common Homonyms:

To, Too and Two

To –    a preposition, indicating arrival, direction, motion; part of an infinitive. Examples: I am off to work. Will you be going to school soon? I gave the information to her yesterday. She will decide to drive when it pleases her.

Too -   meaning also or in addition; excessively, extremely; informally, meaning indeed. Examples: You will be included too (meaning also or as well). The sauce was too spicy (meaning very or excessively). I am too going to the party! (meaning certainly, for sure, etc.)

Two -   the number 2. Example: There were two samples in this case.

So, Sew and Sow

So –     a word which can be an adjective, adverb, conjunction, pronoun and part of an idiom. Examples:

adv.

            1. In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus: Hold the brush so.

2. To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent: She was so weary that she fell.

3. To a great extent; to such an evident degree: But the idea is so obvious.

4. Because of the reason given; consequently: She was weary and so fell. 

5. Afterward; then: to the gas station and so home.

6. In the same way; likewise: You were on time and so was I.

7. Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm: So you think you've got troubles?

8. In truth; indeed: "You aren't right." "I am so!"

adj.

1. True; factual: I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.

2. In good order: Everything on his desk must be exactly so.

conj. Usage Problem

1. With the result or consequence that: He failed to appear, so we went on without him.

2. In order that: I stayed so I could see you.

pron.

Such as has already been suggested or specified; the same: She became a loyal friend and remained so.

interj.

Used to express surprise or comprehension: So! You've finished your work at last.

Idioms:

so as to

In order to: Mail your package early so as to ensure its timely arrival.

so that

1. In order that: I stopped so that you could catch up.

2. With the result or consequence that.

so what

Used to express contempt or lack of interest.

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Sew -   to attach materials together usually with needle and thread. Example: I prefer to sew using a sewing machine, but hand-sewing works well also.

Sow -   to grow plants by distributing seeds. Example: We plan to sow the front field in the coming week. NOTE: There is also a word which looks the same, but rhymes with cow and means a female pig.

There, Their and They’re

There – a pronoun, adverb, noun, interjection, or adjective. Examples: There are people who do not wish me to succeed. Place the drinks over there (in that place or location). Don’t go there (don’t contemplate that theory or don’t go to that place).      

Their - the possessive case of the personal pronoun they. Example: The students took their books (meaning the books that belong to them) back to the library.

They’re – a contraction of they are. Example: They’re going swimming after a light lunch at the beach.