Which of the following pairs of homonyms can be used to fill in the blanks most suitably? Many new ideas are _____ when challenges are bravely _____ by those who dare to think differently.
born, borne
The sentence requires a pair of homonyms built on the verb “bear” to fill the two blanks correctly.
The first blank describes ideas coming into existence, so it needs “born”, the past participle used for birth or origin, as in ideas are born.
The second blank describes challenges being endured or carried, so it needs “borne”, the past participle of “bear” used for carrying, enduring or facing something.
English splits the past participle of “bear”: “born” is used only for birth, while “borne” is used for every other sense, including being endured or faced.
So the sentence reads “Many new ideas are born when challenges are bravely borne”, which is option 1.
“Bourn” (or “bourne”) is an archaic word meaning a boundary or a small stream and does not fit either blank, ruling out options 2 and 4.
Option 3 reverses the two words, using “borne” for birth and “born” for enduring, which is the opposite of correct usage.
The correct pair is born, borne.
Similar Questions
Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:
She gave him a small wave before leaving.
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Pick the correctly used homonym.
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Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:
He ran a 100-meter dash to the finish line.
Important Questions from Homophones
Select the correct pair of homophones to fill in the blanks.
The stained glass windows behind the _______ in Glenn Church are in need of repair.
Genetic screening has the potential to _______ the genetic composition of the population
Select the most appropriate homophone to fill in the blank.
The shareholders are planning to ___________ control of the company from the current directors.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :
He left the meeting in a fit of __________ .
Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :
A __________ gives us his words of wisdom.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :
He favours a ___________ and stick approach to teaching.
