Bank vs Bank

• Bank (a financial institution) – Noun

• Bank (the side of a river) – Noun

Pronunciation

These words are homonyms, meaning they are spelled the same, sound the same, but have different meanings.

• Bank (Noun): Pronounced /bæŋk/ (BANK) — A financial institution.

• Bank (Noun): Pronounced /bæŋk/ (BANK) — The side of a river.

Listen to the audio. They sound the same.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "bank" in context.
Can you tell which “bank” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. She deposited her paycheck at the bank.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

2. The fisherman sat on the bank of the river, waiting for a catch.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

3. They went to the bank to open a new account.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

4. The children played on the grassy bank by the stream.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

5. He took out a loan from the bank to start his business.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

6. The riverbank was lined with tall trees and wildflowers.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

7. She transferred money to her bank account using an app.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

8. They enjoyed a picnic on the bank of the peaceful lake.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

9. The bank approved his application for a credit card.
   a. A financial institution
   b. The side of a river

10. Ducks swam near the bank, looking for food.
    a. A financial institution
    b. The side of a river

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Bank (a financial institution)

1. She visited the bank to deposit her paycheck. (Stress bank to emphasize the location.)

2. The bank manager helped her with the loan process. (Highlight bank to show the institution.)

3. He uses the app to check his bank balance daily. (Emphasize bank to focus on the financial aspect.)

Bank (the side of a river)

1. They sat on the bank of the river, enjoying the view. (Stress bank to describe the location.)

2. The ducks gathered on the grassy bank of the pond. (Highlight bank to indicate the area.)

3. The fisherman rested on the bank, waiting for a bite. (Emphasize bank to focus on the setting.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking.

Bank (a financial institution):

1. Bank account: Focuses on personal finance.

   • Tip: Highlight account to emphasize ownership.

   • Sentence: She opened a new bank account for savings.

2. Visit the bank: Refers to going to the institution.

   • Tip: Stress visit to show the action.

   • Sentence: He needs to visit the bank to withdraw money.

3. Bank loan: Focuses on borrowing money.

   • Tip: Highlight loan to show the purpose.

   • Sentence: They applied for a bank loan to renovate their house.

Bank (the side of a river):

1. River bank: Describes the location beside the river.

   • Tip: Stress river to specify the type of bank.

   • Sentence: They had a picnic on the river bank under the trees.

2. Grassy bank: Highlights the appearance of the area.

   • Tip: Highlight grassy to emphasize the setting.

   • Sentence: The children played on the grassy bank near the stream.

3. Sit by the bank: Refers to relaxing near water.

   • Tip: Stress sit to focus on the activity.

   • Sentence: They decided to sit by the bank and enjoy the sunset.

Things to Remember:

The word "bank" is used in different contexts:

• Bank (a financial institution): Often paired with phrases like "bank account," "visit the bank," or "bank loan."

  • Example: She opened a new bank account for her business.

• Bank (the side of a river): Commonly paired with "river bank," "grassy bank," or "sit by the bank."

  • Example: They sat on the river bank to watch the boats go by.