Homonyms—two words spelled the same way but with different meanings, and often with different pronunciations.
- The bandage was wound around the wound.
- The farm used to produce produce.
- The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
- The Polish polish their furniture every week.
- He could lead if he would get the lead out.
- Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
- A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
- When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
- I did not object to the object.
- The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
- Upon seeing the tear in the painting, I shed a tear.
- I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
- I have a bone to pick with Fido about his bone.
Homophones—One of two or more words pronounced alike but different in meaning and spelling)
Just a few examples:
- to, two, too
- they’re, their, there;
- aid, ade, aide
- aisle, I’ll, isle
- buy, by, bye
- cites, sites
- illicit, elicit
- for, four, fore
- it’s, its
- morn, mourn
- pair, pare, pear
- praise, prays, preys
- right, rite, write
- soar, sore
- sole, soul
- vain, vane, vein
- you’re, yore, your
- passed, past
