English words that sound the same, but mean different things- By Teacher Melanie

English words that sound the same, but mean different things

Let’s start off with the sentence above! The word mean has a couple of different meanings, but for today we will just stick to two.

1) What does that mean? In this sentence “mean” is used as a verb.

2) He is a mean person.  In this sentence “mean” is used as an adjective.

Now it’s your turn, please write a 6 sentences (3 using mean as an adjective and 3 using mean as a verb).

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

The next set of words sound the same, but mean different things.

To, Two and Too

1. I will be leaving Seattle and flying back to Los Angeles. “To” in this case is a preposition expression motion or direction towards a person, place or thing.

2. Alexandra will be turning two this fall. “Two” in this sentence indicates Alex’s age as a numeric.

3. Peter will be coming to the party too. “Too” here is used as an adverb, in addition; also; furthermore; moreover: young, clever, and rich too.

Now it’s your turn, please write 6 sentences using TO, TWO and TOO…. twice!!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Last example, notice in the photo above the famous book title, A Tale of Two Cities.

Tail and Tale

1. Molly the cat has a very bushy tail. “Tail” is a noun describing the end of an animals body that is an exterior appendage.

2. Snow White is a tale of a princess with seven dwarves. “Tale” is also a noun describing a story, fable or narrative.

Ok your turn! Please write 4 sentences using tail and tale twice each.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Ok great work, that now brings us to the tail end of our lesson for today. Learning a language takes time, so be patient with yourself.

Thanks,

Teacher Melanie