The words pain and pane are homophones: they sound alike but have different meanings.

The noun pain refers to physical suffering or the feeling of discomfort or distress. As a verb, pain means to cause hurt or distress.

The noun pane means a single piece, panel, or sheet (as of glass).

Examples:

• Some people have so much trouble coping with the pain of divorce that they turn to drugs or alcohol.
• George could be extremely annoying at times--a real pain in the neck.

• The inspector stared at the pile of broken glass lying on the floor beneath the broken pane.

 

Practice:

 

(a) Tania sat with her nose pressed against the dirty window _____.

(b) After pitching flawlessly for five innings, Robin felt a sharp _____ in her shoulder.
 

Answers to Practice Exercises

Glossary of Usage: Index of Commonly Confused Words
 

200 Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs