duty-free (noun) — A duty-free article, especially part of the allowance of such goods allowed to be imported.
duty free sounds exactly like duty-free but has a different meaning and spelling. Mixing these up is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English.
duty-free
noun
A duty-free article, especially part of the allowance of such goods allowed to be imported.
How to Remember the Difference
- → Focus on meaning first — once you know what each word means, the correct spelling follows naturally.
- → Write a test sentence for each word and save it as a reference.
- → When in doubt, look up the definition — if it doesn't match your sentence, switch to the homophone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a homophone of duty-free?
duty free is a homophone of "duty-free". They sound identical when spoken but have different meanings and spellings.
What is the difference between duty-free and duty free?
"duty-free" and "duty free" sound the same but have different meanings. See the definitions above for how to use each correctly.
What is a homophone?
A homophone is a word that sounds exactly like another word but has a different meaning and often a different spelling. Examples include "their / there / they're", "to / too / two", and "duty-free / duty free". Homophones are a common source of spelling and grammar mistakes.
How do I remember the difference between duty-free and duty free?
A good strategy is to memorize a short sentence that uses each word correctly, then recall that sentence when you are unsure. For example, focus on the meaning first — then let the spelling follow from context. Reading and writing regularly also helps these distinctions become automatic.