Wind vs Wind

• Wind (moving air) – Noun

• Wind (to twist or turn) – Verb

Pronunciation

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

• Wind (Noun): Pronounced /wɪnd/ (WIND) — Moving air.

• Wind (Verb): Pronounced /waɪnd/ (WYND) — To twist or turn.

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

Example Sentences

1. The strong wind knocked over the tree.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

2. You need to wind the clock every morning.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

3. The wind howled through the empty streets.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

4. She had to wind the rope around the pole.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

5. A gust of wind slammed the door shut.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

6. He helped wind the string into a neat roll.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

7. The cool wind felt refreshing on her face.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

8. The mountain path seemed to wind endlessly.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

9. The leaves rustled in the gentle wind.
   a. Moving air
   b. To twist or turn

10. He watched the river wind through the valley.
    a. Moving air
    b. To twist or turn

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.

Wind (moving air)

1. The strong wind shook the trees. (Stress wind to emphasize its power.)

2. A gentle wind cooled the hot afternoon. (Highlight gentle to create a calming mood.)

3. The howling wind kept her awake all night. (Emphasize howling to show intensity.)

Wind (to twist or turn)

1. She had to wind the scarf around her neck. (Stress wind to show the action.)

2. The narrow road winds through the forest. (Highlight winds to describe its path.)

3. You should wind the fishing line carefully. (Emphasize carefully to show precision.)

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.

Wind (moving air):

1. Strong wind: Suggests force or intensity.

   • Tip: Emphasize strong to highlight the impact.

   • Sentence: The strong wind blew the umbrella away.

2. Gentle wind: Describes a calming breeze.

   • Tip: Highlight gentle to create a soothing tone.

   • Sentence: A gentle wind rustled the leaves.

3. Howling wind: Suggests a loud, intense sound.

   • Tip: Stress howling to evoke the scene.

   • Sentence: The howling wind echoed through the canyon.

Wind (to twist or turn):

1. Wind the clock: Refers to the action of setting it.

   • Tip: Stress clock to specify the object.

   • Sentence: Don’t forget to wind the clock before bedtime.

2. Wind the rope: Focuses on wrapping or coiling.

   • Tip: Highlight rope to show the task.

   • Sentence: He carefully wound the rope after the climb.

3. Wind through the path: Describes a curving motion.

   • Tip: Emphasize through to show direction.

   • Sentence: The trail winds through the path in a zigzag manner.

Things to Remember:

The word "wind" is used in different contexts:

• Wind (moving air): Works with descriptive words like "strong," "gentle," or "howling."

  • Example: The wind carried the scent of flowers.

• Wind (to twist or turn): Often paired with actions like "wind the clock," "wind the rope," or "wind through."

  • Example: You need to wind the rope tightly to secure it.