I know, I know, silent letters are sooo annoying. If they are silent, why are they in the word?! But there you go, that’s the English language for you 😉
But don’t worry, today’s video lesson will help you learn 20 high frequency silent letter words so that you can pronounce those ones correctly and with confidence.
In the video, I’ve included the phonetic spelling but ignore that if it feels like an extra stress to you. Just focus on the sound and the shape of my mouth to help you with the pronunciation.
Silent letter words
Have you watched the video and practised your pronunciation? Now write them down so you don’t forget them!
- listen /ˈlɪsən/
- Wednesday /ˈwɛnzdeɪ/
- receipt /rɪˈsiːt/
- muscle /ˈmʌsəl/
- sandwich /ˈsanwɪdʒ,/ /ˈsanwɪtʃ/
- island /ˈʌɪlənd/
- cupboard /ˈkʌbəd/
- knife /nɑɪf/
- definitely /ˈdɛfɪnətli/
- thumb /θʌm/
- salmon /ˈsamən/
- castle /ˈkɑːsəl/
- answer /ˈɑːnsə/
- hour /ˈaʊə/
- comfortable /ˈkʌmftəbəl/
- scissors /ˈsɪzəz/
- doubt /daʊt/
- could /kʊd/
- taste /teɪst/
- climb /klaɪm/
Download the handy image below if you want to remember these words…
Make sure you test yourself on the pronunciation in a couple of weeks!
Question for you….
Have you watched the video to practise your pronunciation with me? Which word do you find the hardest to say OR which word surprised you? Let me know in the comments 😊
12 Responses
Hi Nicki. For me it was very useful to practise receipt, cupboard and also comfortable.
Thank you for this lesson!
Ah yes Marie, those ones always cause a few problems 😊 I’m glad the pronunciation practice helped!
Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Nicki! Most difficult for me is the word “receipt”. In your previous lesson about this word, I didn’t pay enough attention and now it takes revenge. But when I learn it, it will be easy.
A very important lesson, thanks.
Haha! The thought of words taking revenge made me smile 😁
I’m pleased this pronunciation activity was useful for you Kalinka!
Hi Nicki,
Thanks a lot! Now I can pronouce correctly cupboard and salmon.
Brilliant! They are both very useful words so I’m happy to hear that! 😊
Hello my lovely , the lesson was amazing i enjoy it .
for the difficult pronunciation and new for me : thumb, climb, sandwich ( i have been pronouncing the D )
THANK YOU
Ah thank you so much for the lovely feedback Kaoutar!
I’m so pleased you were able to improve your pronunciation and have fun at the same time! 😊
hi Nicky,
I enjoy this lesson 😀. Pronunciation is very important to be understood.
Sandwich was a surprise !
great exercice , now I pronounce correctly cupboard, climb, salmon and receipt.
Thank you,
see you next monday
Anne
That’s fantastic Anne!! Well done for all your pronunciation practice 🤩
Hi Nicki, that was amazing. I watched the video to practise the pronounce with you and for me the hardest word was ‘doubt’.
Thank you very much 🙂
Ah you’re very welcome Jessica! Thank you for this lovely feedback. I’m really glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.
Doubt is definitely a tricky one! 😊