254 English Grammar Demystifi ed
HOMOGRAPHS
Just to be clear, there is yet another group of words to mention: homographs. Homo-
graphs are words spelled alike but have a different pronunciation or meaning (e.g.,
the bow [bou] of a ship, a bow [b] that decorates something.
We walked to the bow of the ship.Wrap that gift with a bow.Changing pronunciation affects meaning. To show the differences in meaning,
transliteration (loosely defi ned) is used to show pronunciation in the list that fol-
lows. The sounds of the letters are written in more easily recognizable form. Capital
letters indicate the accented or stressed syllables. Then the homographs are used in
sentences to clarify meaning.
Affect: 1. ehFEKT—to change; 2. AFFekt—a person’s feelings or emotion- My budget defi nitely affects how much I go out to dinner each month.
- Following the tragedy, her affect was distinctly subdued.
Alternate: 1. ALternit—the next choice; 2. ALternait—switch back
and forth- Carl is running as an alternate in the race.
- In this recipe, alternate the addition of the fl our and the eggs.
Bass: 1. BASE—a string instrument; 2. BASS (rhymes with mass)—a fish- We wondered how a child could play the bass, such a large instrument.
- Bass seems to be a favorite fi sh choice in restaurants.
Close: 1. CLOZE—to shut; 2. CLOS—near- Close the door, please!
- Our children are playing close by.
Desert: 1. dihZURT—to leave; 2. DEZert—arid region- Please don’t desert me when I need your help.
- The Arizona desert is a beautiful place when the cacti bloom.
Dove: 1. DUV—a bird; 2. DOEV—jumped off- The dove has become the symbol of peace and love.
- A foolish child dove off the high bridge.