Homophones for the short vowel sound /ă/

Homophones from this section:

If you confuse these words the computer spellchecker will not spot your mistake - so it is especially important to learn them.

band -
1) group of musicians
2) strip of material to go round

banned - past tense of ban

1) The band played the latest hits.
2) Her ring was a band of gold

She has been banned from driving

tax - payment

tacks - small nails

There is a tax on petrol (US: gas)

Use tacks to fix the picture frame.

rap -
1) small knock
2) kind of rock music

wrap - cover all round
(See Unit 24 for more on silent letters)

1) There was a rap on the door.
2) The rap singer sold a million CDs.

Wrap the gift in gold paper.

manner - way, behaviour
(US: behavior)

manor - large country house

He had a very polite manner.

The manor is now open to the public.