When we learn English, it is important to understand the meanings of words and how they are used in sentences. Sometimes, words can have different meanings or be used in different ways. This can make it tricky to know which sentence uses the word correctly. In this article, we will discuss how to figure out which sentence uses an underlined word correctly. We will explore different kinds of words, such as homophones, homonyms, and words with multiple meanings, and help you understand how to choose the right sentence.
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Contents
Understanding Context
Context plays a huge role in helping us choose the right meaning of a word in a sentence. The meaning of a word can change depending on the surrounding words and the situation. When you see a sentence with an underlined word, try to think about the context in which the word is used. Is the sentence about a person, an action, a thing, or a place? Does the underlined word make sense with the other words around it? Let’s look at some examples:
Example 1:
- I read the book last night.
- I read a book every day.
In the first sentence, the underlined word “read” is used in the past tense, meaning the action happened before. In the second sentence, “read” is used in the present tense, meaning the action happens regularly. The context of the sentence tells us whether the word should be in the past or present tense.
Homophones and Their Usage
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings or spellings. These words can be confusing because they sound identical when spoken, but their meaning depends on how they are used in writing. Let’s look at some examples of sentences with homophones.
Example 2:
- I hear the birds singing outside.
- I here to help you with your homework.
The first sentence uses the word “hear” correctly because it refers to the action of listening. The second sentence uses “here” incorrectly. “Here” refers to a location, so the correct sentence would be, “I am here to help you with your homework.” The key is recognizing the difference between “hear” (to listen) and “here” (a place).
Another example:
Example 3:
- She went to the stationary store to buy some pens.
- She went to the stationery store to buy some pens.
The first sentence uses “stationary” incorrectly. “Stationary” means something that does not move. The second sentence uses “stationery” correctly because it refers to paper, pens, and other office supplies. These two words sound similar, but their meanings are different, and understanding the context helps us choose the right word.
Homonyms and Their Different Meanings
Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and the same pronunciation, but they have different meanings. Homonyms can make sentences tricky because you need to understand the context to know which meaning is being used. Let’s look at an example:
Example 4:
- The bat flew out of the cave.
- He hit the ball with a bat.
Both sentences use the word “bat,” but in different ways. In the first sentence, “bat” refers to a flying mammal, while in the second sentence, “bat” refers to a piece of sports equipment used in baseball. By looking at the surrounding words, we can understand which meaning is correct in each sentence.
Another example:
Example 5:
- I need to close the door.
- The store will close at 6 p.m.
In the first sentence, “close” means to shut something, like a door. In the second sentence, “close” means to stop operating, like a store closing for the day. Even though the word “close” is spelled and pronounced the same in both sentences, its meaning depends on the context.
Words with Multiple Meanings
Some words have more than one meaning, and knowing which meaning is correct depends on how the word is used in the sentence. Here are some examples:
Example 6:
- She broke the glass.
- She broke the world record in running.
In the first sentence, “broke” refers to something being damaged or split. In the second sentence, “broke” refers to the achievement of surpassing a record. Even though the word “broke” has the same spelling, its meaning changes based on what is being discussed.
Another example:
Example 7:
- He will lead the team to victory.
- The lead in the pencil broke.
The first sentence uses “lead” in the form of a verb, meaning to guide or direct. The second sentence uses “lead” as a noun, referring to the material inside the pencil. Even though the word is spelled the same, its meaning depends on the context.
Choosing the Right Sentence
When you are asked to choose which sentence uses the underlined word correctly, follow these steps:
- Read both sentences carefully. Pay attention to the surrounding words and what the sentence is talking about.
- Think about the word’s meaning. Does the word match the action, object, or situation described in the sentence?
- Check for context clues. Look at the other words in the sentence. They can give you clues about the meaning of the underlined word.
- Choose the sentence that makes sense. After thinking about the meaning and the context, decide which sentence uses the word correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some common mistakes people make when choosing the right word in a sentence. These mistakes often happen with homophones, homonyms, and words with multiple meanings. Here are some tips to avoid those mistakes:
- Be careful with words that sound alike. Words like “their” and “there,” or “to,” “too,” and “two” often confuse people. Double-check which word fits best in the sentence.
- Pay attention to the tense of the verb. If the sentence is talking about something in the past, make sure the verb is in the past tense. If it’s talking about something that happens regularly, use the present tense.
- Be aware of words with more than one meaning. If a word can be used in different ways, think about what makes the most sense based on the context.
Conclusion
In English, many words have more than one meaning or can be used in different ways. When you are asked to choose which sentence uses the underlined word correctly, the key is understanding the word’s meaning and how it fits with the rest of the sentence. By paying attention to context, understanding homophones and homonyms, and considering words with multiple meanings, you can make the right choice and improve your understanding of English. Practice will help you get better at recognizing which sentence uses the word correctly.