Silent Letters A-Z (Part 1)

English is a complex language and many of its words have Latin and Greek roots. Therefore overtime we have developed spelling for words that can seem strange at first but happen due to a word’s deep history and linguistic connections to other languages. Out of this comes things like silent letters which happen in multiple ways throughout English. Luckily there are some general rules surrounding this to help decipher if the letter should be spoken or left silent. Although like with almost all English spelling and grammar rules there are exceptions, which we will cover below.

Silent B

When it comes after M When it comes before T

comb, limb, numb debt, subtle, doubt

Exceptions

The B is only silent if MB comes at the end of the word. If it is in the middle of the word then the B is pronounced.
For example: lumber, timber, amber, chamber.

There is one exception when the B is before T and that is the word “Obtain”.

Silent C

When it comes after S and before ‘i’, ‘e’, or ‘y’

science, scissors, fascinate

Exceptions

There is one exception to this rule which is the word ‘Sceptic’.

Silent D

When -and is used in a grouped word

handsome, sandwich, grandfather

Exceptions

In the word ‘handmade’ the D is clearly pronounced. In words such as ‘handshake’ and ‘handful’ it depends on the dialect whether to pronounced the D or not.

Silent E

When it is at the end of a word

rate, initiate, blonde

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions to this rule including recipe, catastrophe, acne, sesame, karate where the E is clearly pronounced.

Silent G

When it comes before H When it comes before N

through, caught, fight reign, sign, benign

Exceptions

Sometimes when the GH is at the end of a word it is pronounced as a ‘f’ sound. For example in the word cough.

There are only 2 exceptions to this rule; magnet and signature, where the G is clearly pronounced.

Silent H

When it comes after W

who, when, whether.

Exceptions

The H is not silent when it is after a W and followed by a O such as in the word who.

Silent K

When it comes before N

knife, knee, knead

Exceptions

There a no commonly used exceptions for the KN rule.

If you can think of any other words that follow these rules or exceptions to the rules put it in the comments below!

Click here to go to Silent Letters Part 2.