'Hair' is the strands that grow on the head and body; 'hare' is the fast wild mammal similar to a rabbit.
Noun. The fine strands that grow from the skin of mammals, especially on the human head.
She cut six inches off her hair for a fresh look.
The dog left hair all over the sofa.
Long hair requires more maintenance than short hair.
Noun. A wild mammal similar to a rabbit but larger, with longer ears and legs, known for its speed.
A hare sprinted across the field at extraordinary speed.
The fable of the tortoise and the hare teaches us about patience.
Hares can run at speeds of up to seventy kilometres per hour.
Common mistake
Spelling error from similar sounds: "She brushed her hare" (correct: hair). Or "A hare stylist appointment" when you mean a hair appointment.
Trick to remember it
'Hair' contains 'air' — strands of hair float and move in the air. 'Hare' ends in ARE — a hare is 'all there' in terms of speed, always in a race.
Quick rule
Is it the strands growing from skin? 'Hair'. Is it the fast wild animal? 'Hare'.
Did you know?
The expression 'hare-brained' (reckless or foolish) comes from the famously erratic behaviour of hares. Hares tend to bolt in unpredictable directions when startled. A 'hare-brained scheme' is one that seems as impulsive as a panicking hare.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
She spotted a brown _____ hiding among the tall grass at the edge of the field.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
She styled her _____ into a sleek bun for the evening reception.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it the strands growing from skin? 'Hair'. Is it the fast wild animal? 'Hare'.
Spelling error from similar sounds: "She brushed her hare" (correct: hair). Or "A hare stylist appointment" when you mean a hair appointment.
'Hair' contains 'air' — strands of hair float and move in the air. 'Hare' ends in ARE — a hare is 'all there' in terms of speed, always in a race.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy