Here's a breakdown:
* Same sound: Homophones sound exactly alike when spoken.
* Different meaning: They have distinct meanings.
* Different spelling: They are usually spelled differently.
Examples:
* "See" and "sea": These words sound identical but have different meanings. "See" is a verb that means to perceive with the eyes, while "sea" is a large body of saltwater.
* "Hear" and "here": Again, these words sound the same but have different meanings. "Hear" is a verb that means to perceive sound, while "here" is an adverb indicating location.
* "There," "their," and "they're": This is a classic example of homophones. "There" is an adverb indicating place, "their" is a possessive pronoun, and "they're" is a contraction of "they are".
Why are homophones important?
Homophones can be tricky in written English. They are often confused, leading to grammatical errors. Understanding the different meanings and spellings of homophones is crucial for clear and accurate writing.