Types of homonyms in English

How many types of homonyms in the English language? illustrate answer with examples. 

There are three types of homonyms

Homophones

Words that are identical in pronunciation but different in spelling

Examples: “piece – peace; buy – by”, see – sea ; night – knight

In English there are many special cases of homophones like:

Knows (from “to know”) – nose

The common English name “Bill” causes misunderstanding in this joke:

– How much is my chicken bill?

– Excuse me, Madam, but my name is John.

Homographs

Are words identical in spelling only but different in sound:

“tear – tear; wind – wind”

– bow [ bau ] (v) : to incline the head or body in salutation

– bow [ bou ] (n) a flexible strip of wood for propelling arrows

– Lead [ li:d ] (v) to conduct on the way, go before to show the way

– Lead [ led ] (n) a heavy, rather soft metal

Full (perfect) homonyms

Are words identical in both pronunciation and spelling:

– fast (go without food or some kinds of food)

– fast (quickly) – fast (deeply, soundly)

– ball (a round object) – ball (a gathering of people for dancing)./.