246 English Grammar Demystifi ed
HOMOPHONES
As you read earlier, homophones are pronounced the same way but differ in spell-
ing and meaning. Look at the following examples:
Everyone likes a compliment on something well done.These two colors complement each other.In the fi rst sentence, compliment means an “admiring comment”; in the second
sentence, complement means “balance or go together.” Although the two words are
pronounced alike, their distinction is important and should be learned.
Written Practice 11-2
The following columns contain homophones. Read through them carefully before
you complete the exercise. Then choose a homophone to complete each sentence
in the exercise. Use your dictionary to fi nd the meaning of any unknown word.
aisle bases carat does palate sew their yore
I’ll basis caret dough’s pallet so there you’re
isle basses carrot doze palette sol they’re your
karat sow
- As she walked down the , the bride was a vision in white.
- The orchestra had a large section of.
- The two , female deer, graze in my garden.
- What a beautiful of colors.
- A is a measure of weight for precious stones.
- The farmer s corn at the end of April.
- I heard from everyone; expected to arrive before noon.
- As for you, expected an hour later.
- The heavy machinery was delivered on a.
- I marked the missing word with a.