They're cooking over there.

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Homophones II (To/Too, It's/Its, There/Their/They're, Your/You're)

Intermediate

After this lesson, you will be able to tell the difference between four sets of homophones. These are some of the most commonly used words, so this knowledge will help your English writing a lot.

Exercise 1

Sentence Practice

It’s raining outside.
The dog is eating its food.
You’re a very smart guy!
You left your keys on the table.
Did you go to school today?
I want to go to school, too.
There is a pond in front of my house.
They're not very smart people.
They don't remember their address.

Grammar Focus

Homophones are words that sound the same, but differ in spelling and meaning.

Confusing homophones account for many grammar mistakes, so take a close look at the examples below.

It's vs Its

It’s is the contracted form of 'it is'.

It’s (= it is) warm inside.

Its is the possessive form of 'it'.

I really like your cat; its fur is really soft.

You're vs Your

You’re is the contracted form of ’you are’.

You’re (= you are) his sister?

Your is the possessive form of 'you'.

Your parents are so kind!

Too vs To

To is usually a preposition that indicates a direction.

Have you been to the office today?

Too is a synonym for 'also' or 'as well', but it is also usually used to express that something is in excess.

I failed the exam, too.
There is too much ketchup on my hamburger!

They're vs There vs Their

They're is the contracted form of 'they are'.

They're (= They are ) not very smart.

There is an adverb that shows location.

We are going there for dinner.

Their is a possessive pronoun.

I think that is their car.

Exercise 2

Sentence Practice

I love my job; it’s the most interesting job in the world!
Have you ever seen a tiger stalking its prey?
You’re the closest friend I have.
Can I borrow your car today?
Go to the living room and bring me my purse.
He wants to become a sailor, too.
Have you seen my new car? It's over there.
They’re on vacation, I’m afraid.
Have you seen their new puppy?

Exercise 3

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences.

very interesting to watch him work.

A.
Its
B.
It's

I don't understand this puppy. It never plays with any of toys.

A.
its
B.
it's

father called. He wanted to know when you would get home.

A.
Your
B.
You're

the youngest employee in the company, aren't you?

A.
Your
B.
You're

I'm going the market to buy some groceries.

A.
to
B.
too

I want to go to the market, !

A.
to
B.
too

I don't think taking everything into consideration.

A.
their
B.
they're
C.
there

Everyone has different interests. To each own!

A.
their
B.
they're
C.
there

Don't come here. Go !

A.
their
B.
they're
C.
there

Exercise 4

Sentence Building

Create sentences using the following words and phrases.

Example

to/too, school → "I'm going to school." "Jim is too young for school."

your, work
you're, working
it's, dog
its, tail
they're, working
there, work
their, work