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:
Her dress was a perfect compliment to the autumn leaves.
Corrected: Her dress was a perfect complement to the autumn leaves.
Complement with an e means something that completes, while compliment with an i means kind praise.
2. Fix the sentence:
We sailed across the see at sunrise yesterday.
Corrected: We sailed across the sea at sunrise yesterday.
Sea is a noun for ocean water, while see is a verb meaning to view with eyes.
3. Fix the sentence:
Her sun is starting fifth grade this fall.
Corrected: Her son is starting fifth grade this fall.
Son names a male child, while sun names the star that lights our daytime sky.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The blue scarf was a lovely complement to her green coat.
Complement with an e means completing; remember complement and complete share letters.
2. He gave her a sincere compliment on her thoughtful essay.
Compliment with an i means praise; think i for an admiring remark.
3. From the cliff, we could see ships sailing far away.
See is a verb of vision, while sea is the noun for ocean water.
4. Her son plays soccer with my brother every weekend.
Son names a male child; sun names the star, so context decides.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Write one sentence using both eye and I correctly to show their meanings.
Sample answer: I closed one eye while aiming the camera at the bright window.
Eye refers to the seeing organ, while I is the first-person pronoun for the speaker.
2. Explain how to choose between complement and compliment when writing.
Sample answer: Use complement when something completes another, and compliment when giving someone praise.
Complement means to complete a pair, while compliment means a polite, admiring remark to someone.