Homophones and Homonyms

The bandage was wound around the wound.

• bandage - material used to help protect an injury
• wound (v) - past tense of 'wind,' meaning movement in a circular motion, wrap
• wound (n) - an injury

The farm was used to produce produce.

• produce (v) - make or manufacture
• produce (n) - things that have been grown on a farm: fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.

The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

• dump - a place for depositing trash
• refuse (v) - not willing to accept
• refuse (n) - trash

We must polish the Polish furniture.

• polish (v) - to make the surface of something smooth and shiny by rubbing it
• Polish (n) - something or someone from Poland

He could lead if he would get the lead out.

• lead (v) - to organize and direct, to be in command
• lead (n) - a type of metal, used in bullets

The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

• desert (v) - to leave or abandon in a disloyal way
• dessert (n) - a sweet food eaten at the end of a meal
• desert (n) - a place with little rain or snowfall

Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

• no time like the present - better to do something now than leave it for later
• present (v) - to give something to someone
• present (n) - a gift

A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

• bass (n) - a type of fish
• bass (n) - an instrument of the lowest range
• drum - a percussion instrument

When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

• dove (n) - a white bird, often used as a sign of peace
• dove (v) - past tense of dive, to jump head first into something

I did not object to the object.

• object (v) - to disapprove or disagree
• object (n) - a material thing that can be seen and touched

The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

• invalid (v) - not valid, not legally acceptable
• invalid (n) - a person made weak or disabled by illness or injury

There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

They were too close to the door to close it.

• close (adj) - a short distance away from something
• close (v) - shut

The buck does funny things when does are present.

• buck - a male deer
• does (v) - to perform an action
• does (n) - female deer

A sewer fell down into the sewer line.

• sewer - someone who makes clothes using needles and thread
• sewer line - pipes used to carry human waste

To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

• sow (n) - a pig
• sow (v) - to plant

The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

• wind (n) - the natural movement of the air
• wind (v) - to move in a circular or twisting way

After a number of injections my jaw got number.

• number (n) - an unspecific amount (1, 3, 6, 10, 15...)
• jaw - the bone structure of the mouth and teeth
• number (adj) - less able to feel sensation

Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

• tear (n) - a rip, hole, or split
• tear (n) - what leaves your eyes when you cry
• shed a tear - when you cry only one tear

I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

• subject (v) - to cause or force someone to do something
• subject (n) - a person or thing that is being discussed