800 words of heaven Posted January 26, 2017 Share Posted January 26, 2017 Hello, everyone! I thought I’d start a list of common homophone mix-ups I see. I’ll also include words that sound similar but not quite the same. Almost-homophones, or false-homophones, so to speak! It’s nice to have a quick guide in your time of need. Add yours to the list as well! These can include other mistakes where words or turns of phrase have been mixed up. Homophone (noun): a word that sounds like another word, but is spelt differently Homonym (noun): a word that sounds like another word, and is also spelt the same Affect (verb): indicates influence. Eg: The potion did not affect Hermione the way she had hoped. Effect (noun): also indicates influence, but as a noun. Eg: The effect of the potion on Hermione was unexpected. Which (pronoun): refers to things or animals Witch (noun): a magic lady Weather (noun): the state of the atmosphere, often dictating your choice of clothes for the day Whether (conjunction): used to introduce two choices. Eg: Please tell me whether you’d like to sit by the window, or have the aisle seat. Aisle (noun): a passage between two rows of something, like seats or shelves Isle (noun): an island or peninsula, especially a small one Bear (noun): a large mammal OR a cuddly stuffed toy OR the act of holding or supporting Bare (noun): lacks clothes or adornment Brake (verb): to stop OR (noun) a device that is used to stop Break (verb): to indicate smashing or shattering something OR to take a recess. Eg: Let’s take a break from Potions homework and go chat to Nearly Headless Nick. Complement (noun, verb): refers to something that enhances or completes. Eg: Rosemary is the perfect complement to roast lamb. Compliment (noun, verb): you say something nice to someone Aloud (adjective): refers to something said out loud. Eg: I am reading aloud Allowed (verb): to permit something Principle (noun): a basic truth or law Principal (noun): the head of a school, or organisation OR a sum of money Wanton (adjective): deliberate or unprovoked OR (noun, archaic) sexually immodest or promiscuous Wonton (noun): a delicious savoury dumpling, usually eaten boiled in soup Would’ve NOT would of Kind of NOT kind’ve Coarse (adjective): rough Course (noun): the route or direction followed by something OR the way something develops OR a procedure adopted to deal with a situation OR a dish or dishes served together as part of a series during a meal OR curriculum OR (verb) flow without obstruction Die (verb): stop living Dye (noun): a substance that adds or changes the colour of something OR (verb) to add or change the colour of something. Eg: I dyed my cloak royal blue to match the hair dye I’d just bought Flour (noun): powdered grains, obtained through grinding Flower (noun): the part of the plant that has the seeds Heal (verb): to become healthy again Heel (noun): the back part of your foot below your ankle OR the part of your palm just in front of your wrist Morning (noun): the time between midnight and noon, especially between sunrise and noon Mourning (noun, verb): expressing sorrow at someone’s death. Eg: Harry still mourned the death of Dobby. Made (verb): past participle of make Maid (noun): a female domestic servant Idle (adjective): avoiding work OR without purpose or effect OR (verb) spend time doing nothing Idol (noun): someone or something you look up to Peace (noun): freedom from disturbance. Eg: May he rest in peace, rather than in pieces. Piece (noun): part of something OR (verb) to assemble something from parts. Eg: I had to piece together the Swedish furniture I bought last weekend. Pray (verb): address a prayer to a deity OR (adverb) used as a preface to polite requests. Eg: Pray tell, what were Lily and James up to in Potions? Prey (noun): an animal that is hunted and killed for food OR (verb) to hunt and kill for food Stair (noun): steps ascending or descending to another level Stare (verb): to look at someone or something without breaking eye contact Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinsandKneazles Posted January 26, 2017 Share Posted January 26, 2017 I have another one to add if that's okay It's commonly misused in fiction. Pore - to read or study attentively (also a small hole). Hermione pored over her books. Pour - description of liquid movement. If Hermione poured over her books, she would be wetting them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackPixie Posted January 26, 2017 Share Posted January 26, 2017 their/they're/there and two/to/too are things I see so often on ff.net and its bugs me soooooo much. their - someone else's property. That's their dog. they're - they are. They are going to Maccas for dinner. there - another place. That's the shower over there. They're going back to their house, which is over there. two - 2. I have two laptops. to - expressing motion - She's going back to eating her own food. too - as well as - I have that pencil case too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
800 words of heaven Posted December 9, 2017 Author Share Posted December 9, 2017 Here (adverb): in this place OR to/toward this place OR at this point. Eg: Sirius beckoned James to come over here Hear (verb): to perceive by the ear OR to be informed OR to listen to. Eg: James tried to hear what Sirius was saying Ensure (verb): to secure/guarantee OR to make certain Insure (verb): to guarantee against loss/harm OR to secure indemnity OR to give or get an insurance policy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nhaz Posted May 17, 2019 Share Posted May 17, 2019 Manner - the way in which something is done. Manor - a luxorious house. You could only say someone acted in an unpleasant manor if they were, say, performing a play at a big fancy house and the house came to life and started insulting them. Then again, this is Harry Potter we're talking about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.