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They’re called homophones – words that sound
the same but mean different things – and they can present a
hurdle when you’re trying to write.
Brake
vs.
Break
These words are both verbs and nouns. In the
present tense, these two words are audibly
indistinguishable.
Brake
means to slow down. It can also refer to a device that
causes something to slow down.
Ex.
You need to
brake when you see a yellow light, not accelerate!
Ex.
George
slammed on the brakes to avoid an accident.
Break
means to
damage something. It can also refer to the damage itself.
Ex.
You’ll
break it if you’re not careful.
Ex.
“That’s one
ugly break,” exclaimed the doctor when he saw Logan’s
broken leg.
Note that the past tense form of brake
is braked, while the past tense form of break
is broke.
Coarse
vs.
Course
Coarse
is an adjective and generally describes a harsh texture or
an abrasive or aggressive attitude.
Ex.
The fabric
was as coarse as sand paper.
Ex.
Don’t be
coarse with me!
Course
is a noun
and means a direction or route.
Ex. The running track
ran a winding course through the city park.
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