RETEACH

Name: Date:

MULTIPLE-MEANING WORDS

Many words in English have multiple meanings. Sometimes a word has different
meanings in different parts of speech. Sometimes there are multiple meanings
with the same part of speech. Look at the following examples.
raise (verb): to lift up; (noun) an increase in salary
bat (noun): what you use to hit a ball; a type of small mammal that flies

A. DIRECTIONS: Select the multiple-meaning word that fits correctly into both
sentences.
1. He asked them to their hands.
I asked my boss for a .
(wash, untie, pizza, raise)

2. She had a of clean laundry.

Help me these fliers together into packs of 500.
(bundle, tie, sack, separate)

3. Darius was a of old Persia.

Lend me your so I can draw a straight line.
(king, pen, ruler, leader)

4. There is no easy for success.

The baby’s can be purchased at the store.
(path, formula, food, milk)

B. DIRECTIONS: Read each sentence with an underlined multiple-meaning word. Then

select the sentence underneath that uses the word in the same way.
1. I was out of gas and no one was around, so I turned off the engine and let
the car coast along the shore road.
A. I ran out of gas along the coast.
B. I turned off the engine when the coast was clear.
C. You can save gas if you coast.

2. When the cat rolled onto its back, the groomer could see the tip of the tabby’s
nose was pure black.
A. They left a 20% tip for their groomer.
B. The cat tipped over.
C. The tip of the tabby’s tail was pure black, too.
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 PRACTICE

Name: Date:

MULTIPLE-MEANING WORDS

A. DIRECTIONS: Read each sentence below. Note how the underlined

multiple-meaning word is used. Write a new sentence on the line below. Use the
multiple-meaning word in a different way from how it is used in the first sentence.
1. The base of the vase was blue, but the top was white.

2. I might go to the party, but then again I might not.

3. Tom made punch with ginger ale and fresh lemon juice.

4. They were scared when the boat started to rock.

5. Andrew seemed unaware of the gravity of the situation.

B. DIRECTIONS: Read each sentence with an underlined multiple-meaning word. Then

select the sentence underneath that uses the word in the same way.
1. Rosemary bushes covered the ground and they smelled delicious.
A. She ground some rosemary between her fingertips to smell it.
B. The ground was planted with rosemary.
C. The day we walked past the rosemary we covered a lot of ground.

2. They had no interest in hearing about Mary’s bank problem.

A. Her problem is that she pays four percent interest.
B. Mary has a financial interest in her uncle’s real estate business.
C. Is Mary’s interest in banking or real estate?

3. My view is that the whole museum should be renovated.

A. My view from the museum is very pretty.
B. I will view the museum exhibit in the morning.
C. What’s your view about the renovation?

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