Homophones and Homographs — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Their going to they're soccer game after school today.
Corrected: They're going to their soccer game after school today.
They're is a contraction for they are, while their is the possessive form showing the team belongs to them.
2. Fix the sentence:
Your the best friend I have ever had at this school.
Corrected: You're the best friend I have ever had at this school.
The sentence needs you are, so the contraction you're is correct, not the possessive your.
3. Fix the sentence:
The puppy chased it's tail until it got dizzy on the rug.
Corrected: The puppy chased its tail until it got dizzy on the rug.
Its without an apostrophe is the possessive pronoun, while it's is the contraction for it is or it has.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. I think you're going to enjoy the new science museum exhibit downtown.
You are going makes sense, so we use the contraction you're with the apostrophe.
2. Please put the books over there on the empty shelf by the window.
There refers to a location, which is what the sentence describes when telling where to place the books.
3. The bird built its nest in the tall oak tree behind our garage.
We need the possessive form because the nest belongs to the bird, so use its with no apostrophe.
4. We are going to the library after we finish our homework.
The word to is a preposition showing movement toward the library, the destination in this sentence.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Explain the difference between their, there, and they're using one example for each word.
Sample answer: Their shows ownership, like their backpacks. There points to a place, like over there. They're is a contraction for they are, like they're running.
Each word sounds the same but has a unique meaning, so context decides which spelling belongs in a sentence.
2. Why is it important to choose the right homophone when writing a story or report?
Sample answer: Choosing the right homophone keeps your meaning clear. If you mix up your and you're, readers may get confused or think you misunderstand the words.
Correct homophones show careful writing and help readers understand exactly what you mean without rereading.