Did you know there are many common phrases that even native English speakers say wrong?
This means you’re not alone. English is a difficult language and can be very tricky to learn, even for Americans and the English.
Let’s take a look at a few homophones examples that cause 10 common mistakes for English learners and English speakers alike.
1. Tide and Tied
There’s no denying that the English language is not the easiest language to learn.
One of the most confusing things is homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same when spoken. But they’re spelled completely different.
The first of the homophones examples on our list is the 2 words tide and tied.
Tide
As a noun, this word refers to the ocean’s water level as it rises and falls with the moon cycle.
As in: The tide came in at 6 pm.
Tied
This word refers to the past tense for tying something.
As in: He tied his shoelaces.
2. Waste and Waist
Another common mistake is the difference between waste and waist.
Waste
This word can be a verb adjective or noun. Waste refers to the action of carelessly using something. Also, items that are of no more use.
As in: Why did you waste your time?
Or: I tossed the waste in the garbage can.
Waist
This word refers to a person’s body part below the stomach and above the thighs.
As in: His belt would not fit because his waist had grown.
Learning common homophones can help English Learners better understand.
3. Steel and Steal
No matter how difficult it may seem, it’s important for us to accept that the English language is here to stay.
Steel
This word refers to a hard metal used to build buildings.
As in: She used the steel to build her shed.
Steal
This word refers to the action of taking something that is not yours.
As in: Did you steal the money that was left on the desk?
4. Way and Weigh
Way and weigh cause a lot of people problems as well.
Way
This word refers to a direction or road a person takes.
As in: His way was hard, but he did not stop.
Weigh
This word refers to how heavy something is.
As in: Did you weigh yourself this morning?
5. Plane and Plain
These 2 words can also be confusing.
Plane
This refers to a machine that flies in the sky and is short for airplane. Or it can mean a flat surface.
As in: She took the plane to Dallas.
Or: He walked on the plane to the store.
Plain
This word means something that is simple and not decorated.
As in: He wore a plain shirt to the dance.
6. Flour and Flower
Flour and flower also trip up English learners.
Flour
This refers to a baking ingredient.
As in: He used flour to make the bread.
Flower
This word refers to a colorful plant.
As in: He picked a pretty flower from the garden.
7. Bear and Bare
Bear and bare cause a lot of problems for native English speakers and learners alike.
Bear
This usually refers to an animal.
As in: The bear drank from the stream.
Bare
This refers to not having clothes or covering on.
As in: The table was bare for dinnertime.
8. Seen and Scene
These two words are yet another example of confusing homophones.
Seen
This word refers to the ability to see.
As in: A person was seen in the parking lot.
Scene
This word refers to a part of a play or movie.
As in: The scene was taken out of the final movie.
9. Write and Right
Write and right often give people difficulty.
Write
This word refers to the ability to make marks on paper with a pen or pencil.
As in: When did you write the paper?
Right
This word refers to either a direction or the opposite of being wrong.
As in: He turned right instead of left.
And: She was right in this case.
10. New and Knew
Our tenth homophone mistake.
New
This word means something that is not old.
As in: Her new dress is purple.
Knew
This word refers to the past tense of “to know.”
As in: He knew the answer.
Overcoming Homophone Examples That Create Difficulty
The English language is difficult and often confusing.
But you can learn to overcome these difficulties with the right guidance and support.
If you’d like to overcome these homophones examples and become a better English speaker, check us out today.
