11+ English · Topic explained
Homophones
Their, there, they're: how can three words sound exactly the same?
The big idea
Homophones sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.
Picture it
Homophones are identical twins: they sound alike, but each has its own job.
Key words
- homophone
- Words that sound the same but are spelt differently and mean different things.
- there / their / they're
- there: a place. their: belonging to them. they're: they are.
- to / too / two
- to: direction. too: also, or very. two: the number 2.
Worked examples
- 1Warm-up
There is a dog. Their dog is big. They're feeding it.
- there: a place
- their: belonging to them
- they're: they are
- 211+ standard
We walked to the shop. It was too hot. I bought two ice lollies.
- to: direction
- too: very (or also)
- two: the number
- 311+ standard
We walked past the shop. Time passed slowly.
- past: by, or in the past (not a verb)
- passed: the verb pass in the past tense
- 411+ standard
The rain will affect the match. It had a big effect.
- affect: usually a verb (to change something)
- effect: usually a noun (the result)
The common mistake
The mistake
"Their going to the park."
Instead
"They're going to the park."
Why: Expand it: "They are going" makes sense, so it must be they're.
Where it comes up in the 11+
Cloze and proofreading questions are full of homophones, especially in GL papers.
The video
Video coming soon
We're making a short video that explains homophones step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.
Free printable
Homophones worksheet
Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.
Download the worksheet (PDF)Free account needed: it takes a minute.
Quick quiz
Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.
1. Choose: "I'd like ___ slices of cake."
- to
- too
- two
Show the answerHide the answer
two
It's the number 2.
2. Choose: "We walked ___ the old church."
- passed
- past
Show the answerHide the answer
past
Walked is already the verb; past means going by.
3. Choose: "___ coat is this?"
- Who's
- Whose
Show the answerHide the answer
Whose
It asks who the coat belongs to. Who's means who is.