• Light (not heavy) – Adjective

• Light (brightness or illumination) – Noun

Pronunciation

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

• Light (Adjective): Pronounced /laɪt/ (LYT) — Not heavy.

• Light (Noun): Pronounced /laɪt/ (LYT) — Brightness or illumination.

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

Example Sentences

1. This suitcase is very light and easy to carry.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

2. The light in the room was too dim to read.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

3. She prefers to wear light clothing in the summer.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

4. He switched on the light when he entered the room.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

5. The feather was so light that it floated in the air.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

6. The candle provided a soft, warm light in the dark room.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

7. The package is light enough to carry with one hand.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

8. The sun's light streamed through the open window.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

9. He felt light and energetic after his workout.
   a. Not heavy
   b. Brightness or illumination

10. The streetlight cast a bright light on the sidewalk.
    a. Not heavy
    b. Brightness or illumination

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.

Light (not heavy)

1. This bag is so light, I can carry it easily. (Stress light to emphasize its weightlessness.)

2. The fabric feels light and comfortable against my skin. (Emphasize light to highlight the texture.)

3. The balloon is so light, it floated away. (Highlight light to show the effect of weightlessness.)

Light (brightness or illumination)

1. The light in the room was warm and inviting. (Stress light to focus on the brightness.)

2. He turned on the light to see better. (Emphasize light to show the action.)

3. The morning light filtered through the trees. (Highlight light to create imagery.)

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.

Light (not heavy):

1. Light bag: Highlights the ease of carrying it.

   • Tip: Stress light to emphasize its weight.

   • Sentence: This light bag is perfect for travel.

2. Light clothing: Refers to breathable and comfortable fabric.

   • Tip: Emphasize light to show suitability for warm weather.

   • Sentence: She packed light clothing for her summer trip.

3. Light as a feather: Suggests extreme weightlessness.

   • Tip: Highlight feather to create imagery.

   • Sentence: The paper was light as a feather.

Light (brightness or illumination):

1. Bright light: Refers to intense illumination.

   • Tip: Stress bright to emphasize its intensity.

   • Sentence: The bright light made it difficult to see.

2. Dim light: Suggests low or soft illumination.

   • Tip: Highlight dim to create a calming or mysterious effect.

   • Sentence: The room was lit by a dim light from the candle.

3. Natural light: Refers to sunlight or daylight.

   • Tip: Emphasize natural to distinguish it from artificial light.

   • Sentence: The large windows allowed in plenty of natural light.

Things to Remember:

The word "light" is used in different contexts:

• Light (not heavy): Often used with descriptors like "bag," "clothing," or "as a feather."

  • Example: The light package was easy to carry.

• Light (brightness or illumination): Works with phrases like "bright light," "dim light," or "natural light."

  • Example: The light from the lamp was soft and pleasant.