telling-off (noun) — An instance of telling someone off, a reprimand or scolding.
telling off sounds exactly like telling-off but has a different meaning and spelling. Mixing these up is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English.
telling-off
noun
An instance of telling someone off, a reprimand or scolding.
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 telling-off?
telling off is a homophone of "telling-off". They sound identical when spoken but have different meanings and spellings.
What is the difference between telling-off and telling off?
"telling-off" and "telling off" 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 "telling-off / telling off". Homophones are a common source of spelling and grammar mistakes.
How do I remember the difference between telling-off and telling off?
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.