Homophones — Complete Lesson
Students will distinguish common homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings) and choose the right one in context.
4th Grade · Vocabulary · ~20 min lesson
What is a homophone?
Homophones are words that sound the same but mean different things and are spelled differently. English is full of them, and they’re a common source of spelling mistakes.
The big three: to / too / two
- to — toward or part of a verb: We went to the store.
- too — also, or more than enough: I want some too.
- two — the number 2: I have two pencils.
there / their / they’re
- there — a place: The book is over there.
- their — belonging to them: Their house is blue.
- they’re — they are: They’re my friends.
its / it’s
- its — belonging to it: The dog wagged its tail.
- it’s — it is: It’s raining.
your / you’re
- your — belonging to you: Is this your jacket?
- you’re — you are: You’re welcome.
The check method
When you’re not sure, substitute the meaning:
- Does “it is” fit? → it’s
- Does “they are” fit? → they’re
- Does “you are” fit? → you’re
- Does “belonging to them” fit? → their
Practice with the exercises above, then download the free printable homophones worksheet. Students who want more can move on to the grade 5 homophones worksheet.
Practice Exercises
Try these on your own, then reveal the answer to check.
We are going (to / too / two) the park. Which word fits?
💡 'to' = toward a place.
I want to come (to / too / two).
💡 'too' = also.
(There / Their / They're) dog is very friendly.
💡 'their' = belonging to them.
(There / Their / They're) going to the library after school.
💡 It means 'they are'.
The bird built (its / it's) nest in the tree.
💡 'it's' means 'it is'.
Is this (your / you're) backpack?
💡 'you're' means 'you are'.
Printable Worksheets
Put this lesson into practice with free, printable worksheets — each with an answer key.
Before You Start
- Reading grade-level sentences
- Basic spelling awareness
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Using 'there' when 'their' is meant
- Confusing 'to', 'too', and 'two'
- Writing 'its' for 'it's'
What to Learn Next
Browse more Vocabulary worksheets or explore all 4th Grade worksheets.
Related Worksheets
Homophones Worksheet
Homophones sound the same but mean different things (to, too, two). Circle the word that fits each sentence.
Homophones Worksheet Grade 5
Fifth-grade homophones look and sound alike but mean different things. Choose the word that fits the meaning of each sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a homophone?
Two or more words that sound the same but have different meanings and often different spellings — like to, too, and two.
How can I stop mixing up homophones?
Learn the meaning of each spelling, and read the sentence out loud substituting the meaning. If 'it is' fits, it's 'it's'.
Original & reviewed. Every worksheet is created in-house from a grade-level skill brief, checked for a correct answer key, and reviewed for grade-appropriateness. Our editorial policy.