English Class 10 - Homonyms And-Homophones Notes

Homonyms and Homophones

Welcome to the chapter on Homonyms and Homophones for Class 10. In this chapter, you will learn what homonyms and homophones are, how to identify them, and how to use them correctly in sentences. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to distinguish between words that sound alike or are spelled alike but have different meanings.

Introduction

English has many words that can be confusing because they sound the same, look the same, or are spelled the same but have different meanings. These words are called homonyms and homophones.

What are Homonyms?

Homonyms are words that are spelled the same and sound the same but have different meanings.

• Bark (the sound a dog makes) / Bark (the outer layer of a tree)
• Bat (an animal) / Bat (used in cricket)
• Bank (the side of a river) / Bank (where we keep money)

What are Homophones?

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings.

• Two / Too / To
• Right (correct) / Write (to form letters)
• Sea (large body of water) / See (to look)
• Pair (a set of two) / Pear (a fruit)

How to Use Homonyms and Homophones

• Read the sentence carefully to understand the meaning.
• Check the spelling and context to choose the correct word.
• Practice using them in sentences to avoid confusion.

Fun Activity: Spot the Difference!

Write sentences using homonyms and homophones. Ask your friends to guess the meanings of the words in each sentence.

Summary

• Homonyms: Same spelling and sound, different meanings.
• Homophones: Same sound, different spellings and meanings.
• Context helps you choose the right word.

Practice Questions

1. Use the word "bat" in two different sentences with different meanings.
2. Write sentences to show the difference between "sea" and "see".
3. Choose the correct word: I want (to/two/too) go to the park.
4. What is the homophone for "pair"?
5. Give an example of a homonym and explain its meanings.

Challenge Yourself

• List five pairs of homophones and use each in a sentence.
• Find three homonyms and write their meanings.

Did You Know?

• The word "lead" can mean to guide or a type of metal, but is pronounced differently in each case!
• Homophones are common in English poems and jokes.

Glossary

• Homonym: A word that is spelled and pronounced the same as another word but has a different meaning.
• Homophone: A word that sounds the same as another word but has a different meaning and spelling.
• Context: The words and sentences around a word that help you understand its meaning.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. The bat flew at night. / I play cricket with a bat.
2. I went to see the sea. / I see a ship on the sea.
3. to
4. Pear
5. Bank: (1) The side of a river. (2) A place to keep money.

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Practice using homonyms and homophones to make your English clear and interesting!