Homonyms Worksheet 3

Homonyms Worksheet 3

In paper after paper, numerous problems with spelling occur, particularly with homonyms. Homonyms are words that sound alike but are spelled differently and usually mean different things. Unfortunately, these are the kinds of misspellings that readers are most likely to be prejudiced against. Your job is to train yourselves to look for these trouble spots. Don’t be afraid to look them up and make sure you have the correct spelling! Every time you use a homonym, a warning bell should go off in your head. For practice, choose the correct word in the parentheses and prepare an explanation for your choice.

1. The trouble in the Middle East has had a serious (affect, effect) on the price of oil all over the world.

2. The (brakes, breaks) on my car don’t work properly.

3. The (principal, principle) of our high school gave an interesting lecture on the (principal, principle) causes of failure and another on the (principals, principles) of science.

4. (There, their) are several jobs available in the public schools of Bulloch County because several teachers have lost (there, their) jobs.

5. The committee cast (its, it’s) vote in favor of the new law.

6. President Bush’s threats have had little (affect, effect) on Hussein.

7. As I was driving to school today, I realized that I was (to, too) tired to see clearly.

8. If you go to the movies, I want to go (to, too).

9. Some young people even (sale, sell) their mothers’ jewelry to buy drugs.

10. (Loosing, Losing) patience, Mary screamed obscenities at the other driver.

11. Failure to attend class regularly can adversely (affect, effect) a student’s grade.

12. I couldn’t (hear, here) a word he said, so I shouted, “Come over (hear, here) beside me!”

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