12 hilarious homophone mistakes

Some homophone mistakes—their vs. there—are irritating, but others—ado and adieu, or fiscal and physical—are just plain funny. Take a look.

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Homophone mistakes can be dangerous to professional credibility—and also really funny. I’m not referring to the all too common boo-boos like “it’s/its,” “you’re/your,” or “there/their.”

The phrase “pouring over the content” appeared in a popular blog by a noted and oft-quoted writer of marketing books. When someone pointed out the boo-boo, the writer retorted that only “scholars and style junkies” care about the distinction. That’s roughly the equivalent of my accountant telling me balancing the books is for economists and math junkies.

1. Without further adieu. This got the ball rolling for collecting comical sound-alikes.

2. Let us wet your appetite with a few favorite homophonic gaffes.

3. Poor writing reeks havoc on clear communication and distracts from the main point.

4. It’s a tell-tail sign that writers aren’t necessarily readers. Big mistake.

5. They should hand over the reigns, or at least step back from the keyboard.

6. This doesn’t phase some people who feel that proper writing style, grammar and spelling are optional.

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