Bow vs Bow

• Bow (a gesture of respect) – Verb

• Bow (a curved weapon or tool) – Noun

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Bow (Verb): Pronounced /baʊ/ (BAOW) — To bend forward.

• Bow (Noun): Pronounced /boʊ/ (BOH) — A tied ribbon or archery equipment.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

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 "bow" in context.
Can you tell which “bow” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. She gave a deep bow to show respect.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

2. The archer aimed carefully with his bow.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

3. He asked the audience to bow before the performance began.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

4. The bow of the violin broke during the concert.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

5. They bowed in gratitude after receiving the award.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

6. The hunter carried a bow and arrows into the forest.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

7. She tied her hair with a small pink bow.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

8. The performers took a bow after the curtain fell.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

9. He pulled the string on the bow tightly before releasing it.
   a. A gesture of respect
   b. A curved weapon or tool

10. The children were taught to bow politely when greeting elders.
    a. A gesture of respect
    b. A curved weapon or tool

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. b

8. a

9. b

10. a

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.

Bow (a gesture of respect)

1. She gave a small bow before leaving. (Stress bow to show the gesture.)

2. The performers took a dramatic bow on stage. (Emphasize dramatic to highlight the action.)

3. He asked the students to bow politely to their teachers. (Highlight bow to focus on respect.)

Bow (a curved weapon or tool)

1. The archer aimed his bow at the target. (Stress bow to show the equipment.)

2. He pulled the string on the bow with precision. (Highlight precision to describe the action.)

3. The violinist tightened the strings on her bow. (Emphasize bow to focus on the tool.)

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. Create your own sentences with the following words and phrases.

Bow (a gesture of respect):

1. Deep bow: Indicates a strong or formal gesture.

   • Tip: Highlight deep to show the level of respect.

   • Sentence: He gave a deep bow before leaving the room.

2. Polite bow: Refers to a courteous action.

   • Tip: Stress polite to focus on its context.

   • Sentence: The children made a polite bow to their teacher.

3. Small bow: Suggests a subtle or quick gesture.

   • Tip: Highlight small to show the simplicity of the action.

   • Sentence: She gave a small bow before stepping aside.

Bow (a curved weapon or tool):

1. Strong bow: Describes the durability of the weapon.

   • Tip: Stress strong to highlight its power.

   • Sentence: The hunter carried a strong bow for the expedition.

2. Tight bow: Refers to the tension in the strings.

   • Tip: Highlight tight to describe the readiness of the tool.

   • Sentence: He prepared his tight bow before shooting the arrow.

3. Violin bow: Refers to the musical tool.

   • Tip: Emphasize violin to focus on its specific use.

   • Sentence: She replaced her broken violin bow after the concert.

Things to Remember:

The word "bow" is used in different contexts:

• Bow (a gesture of respect): Works with descriptive phrases like "deep bow," "polite bow," or "small bow."

  • Example: The performer took a deep bow after the applause.

• Bow (a curved weapon or tool): Often paired with words like "strong bow," "tight bow," or "violin bow."

  • Example: The archer adjusted his bow before shooting.