Column on homophones lax the write frays

Is the right word homonym or homophone?

The two words mean the same thing, which is ironic in a way – because that meaning is to use different spellings to describe sound-alike words that mean different things.

So homonyms and homophones are certainly not homonyms or homophones.

It might be the most ironic word issue outside of the word "phonics."

Homonym or homophone? Which is wright? Witch should I yews?

There is sum significance to it, because misusing words is common. I think of it every time I see someone say, "It's good to be apart of this family," which means actually being apart from the family.

But misusing words is understandable.

I, for instance, can except that I can use the language wrong sometimes, accept I don't always do so publicly.

I thought about this the other mourning, while I sat down with a boll of serial. My job requires me to work with words, both in this space and in my normal job.

The day felt like one of those daze when you due what you can to get bye to urn a living. I wasn't sure if my attitude was something permanent or just a faze. But I was unphased.

Regardless, it was bazaar.

Was it OK to except mistakes like that? Who nose?

The homonym-homophone conundrum (if that's what it is) was either a Sirius problem or was insignificant. Which was it?

On the day in question, I chose to ignore the issue, get dressed and go to work.

I looked for my new pair of genes, but couldn't fined what I needed. So I grabbed an old pare, put on some moose, then brushed my hare and left.

The question kept nagging me. Is it homophone or homonym? Is it a serious issue or knot?

I side, deeply. This was turning into sum day.

The problem of word mistakes is common to writers. I hoped to avoid it for my whole career, but I new I would eventually make a mistake, because it's not aloud.

The first time I did it and saw it published, it made me so sad that I bald my eyes out while I listened to an album by the Little River Banned.

Finally, I decided to settle the issue. I looked it up and found that technically, homonyms are words that are both spelled and pronounced the same, but mean different things. What I was considering was a homophone. Not knowing the difference is a serious mistake, baste on what I know.

Then I re-read this column and knew the truth: I mist again.

I told myself the danger of trying to address this type of issue: You always make the mistake mentioned.

Perhaps, I told myself, yule learn sometime.

I put it aside and ignored it. Later, I'll address it.

Same thyme, next year?

Reach Brad Stanhope at bradstanhope@hotmail.com.