Page 173 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Language Arts

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O THER C ONFUSING W ORD S

Triple trouble

Sometimes, three words sound very similar but mean
different things. In such cases, be extra careful to understand
the differences between the three words and learn the spellings.

though through thorough
This means the same or This means into one end or This refers to something that
as the word however. and out of the other. is well done or complete.

He still wanted to go He walked through He conducted a
shopping, though. the crowd. thorough investigation.

quit quiet quite
This means to leave, or This refers to making or This usually refers to the
usually permanently. little or no noise. greatest extent or degree.

The journalist quit her It seemed eerily quiet The story made quite
job at the newspaper. along the street. an impression on her.

More confused meanings REAL W OR L D
There are many examples of words that are widely and repeatedly Funny puns
misspelled because their meanings are not clearly understood.
Always reread the sentence to make sure the correct word is used. Tabloid newspapers are renowned
for their use of puns in headlines.
Puns take advantage of the
Word Example Word Example
potential confusion between
accident The bicycle accident left incident There was an incident words that sound the same to
her with a large bruise. of bullying on the team. create jokes or wry commentary.
angel The religious text angle Every angle in a square
mentioned an angel. is the same size.
desert It was very hot in the dessert My favorite dessert
middle of the desert. is key lime pie.
elicit The father tried to elicit illicit The airport confiscated
a response from his son. illicit food from the man.
envelop The fog was about envelope He put the letter
to envelop the town. in an envelope.
lightening The hairdresser was lightning The lightning storm
lightening my hair. caused havoc.
rational There was no rational rationale She explained the
reason for her behavior. rationale for her decision.