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Coleman 2011. Homonyms Week 1. What is a homonym?. Words that are spelled the same but pronounced differently OR Words that are pronounced the same but spelled differently. There, their—they’re not the same!.
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Coleman 2011 Homonyms Week 1
What is a homonym? • Words that are spelled the same but pronounced differently OR • Words that are pronounced the same but spelled differently
There, their—they’re not the same! Most people pronounce these the same way; therefore, it is difficult for some to judge in which situation to use which spelling. But each spelling means a very different thing, so it is important to learn the difference between them.
THERE • Use THERE when referring to a place: • The science textbooks are over there on the floor. • It must be tough to live there. • Use THERE with state-of-being verbs (am, is, are, was, were) to indicate the existence of something: • There are many foods that I enjoy. • There is a lot of homework tonight.
THEIR • Use THEIR to show possession—to indicate that a particular noun belongs to them. • Their car is in the shop. • Do you have their address? • My house is small, but their house is big.
THEY’RE • THEY’RE is a contraction that is short for they are. • They’re coming over for dinner tomorrow. • Does anyone know why they’re running late?
Your teacher is pleased when you’re using the correct spelling! • YOUR is the possessive form of you, referring to something a person owns or has. • YOU’RE is a contraction that is short for you are.
YOU’RE • There is a replacement test that will tell you for certain which word will fit. Read the sentence with "you are" in place of where the "your/you're" is intended. If it makes sense, then YOU’RE would be right. If not, then YOUR would fit. • You’re going to get me in trouble. (Can be replaced with “You are going to get me in trouble.”) • Are you going to eat you’re sandwich? (This is incorrect because it doesn’t make sense to say “Are you going to eat you are sandwich?”)
YOUR • In this case, you could test which is correct by replacing "your" with "my" in the sentence. If it fits, then use "your.“ • Your report card was very good! (Can be replaced with “My report card was very good!” and it still makes sense.) • Go to your room!
DESERT/DESSERT • DESERT • with the emphasis on the first syllable, “DE sert”, is a dry, arid piece of land • with the emphasis on the second syllable, “de SERT”, is a verb meaning to abandon • DESSERT • pronounced “de SERT” is a treat served at the end of a meal, usually something sweet
MEMORY TRICK • Only use DESSERT with 2 s’s when referring to that sweet treat at the end of a meal. Think of it this way—I would rather have 2 DESSERTS than 2 DESERTS!
ANT/AUNT • An ANT is an insect. • Your AUNT is the sister of one of your parents. MEMORY TIP: “U” are related to your AUNT, but not to any ANTS!