Common Homophones

While the list of homophones in the English language is quite extensive, some examples of common homophones are the following:

To / Two / Too
To: A preposition indicating direction or purpose.
– I’m going to the store.
Two: The number 2.
– I have two cats.
Too: A word meaning “also” or “excessively.”
– I want to go too.

There / Their / They’re
There: Refers to a place or position.
– The book is over there.
Their: Possessive form of “they.”
– Their house is beautiful.
They’re: Contraction of “they are.”
– They’re going to the park.

Your / You’re
Your: Possessive form of “you.”
– Is this your bag?
You’re: Contraction of “you are.”
– You’re very kind.

Its / It’s
Its: Possessive form of “it.”
– The cat licked its paw.
It’s: Contraction of “it is” or “it has.”
– It’s raining outside.

Than / Then
Than: Used for comparisons.
– She is taller than him.
Then: Refers to time or order of events.
– Finish your homework, then you can play.

Here / Hear
Here: Refers to a location.
– Come over here.
Hear: To perceive sound.
– Can you hear the music?

Right / Write
Right: Correct or the opposite of left.
– You are right.
Write: To put words on paper.
– Please write a letter.

By / Buy / Bye
By: Indicates proximity or agency.
– He lives by the river.
Buy: To purchase something.
– I want to buy a new phone.
Bye: Short for “goodbye.
– Bye, see you tomorrow.

Whether / Weather
Whether: Used to introduce alternatives.
– I don’t know whether to stay or go.
Weather: The state of the atmosphere.
– The weather is sunny today.

Accept / Except
Accept: To receive or agree to something.
– I accept your invitation.
Except: Excluding; other than.
– Everyone is coming except John.

Affect / Effect
Affect: To influence something.
– The weather can affect your mood.
Effect: A result or outcome.
– The effect of the new policy was positive.