Welcome to the Secret Codes of Spelling!
In English, sometimes letters work together to make a sound you already know. It is like they are wearing a disguise! Today, we are going to learn how to spot three of these disguises: ph, wh, and the letter k.
Learning these patterns will help you become a super reader and a brilliant writer. Don't worry if it seems a bit tricky at first—once you know the secret, you will see these words everywhere!
Note: This chapter is part of our "Spelling: sounds and letter patterns" section. If you want to learn about sounds like "ck" or "tch", you can check out our other chapter on "ff, ll, ss, zz, ck, nk, -tch and final /v/".
1. The "ph" Sound: The /f/ Disguise
Sometimes, when the letters p and h stand next to each other, they forget their own sounds and work together to make the /f/ sound. It sounds exactly like the "f" in fish!
Where do we see it?
We often find ph in words about animals, talking, or learning. Here are some examples:
- Dolphin (an animal that swims)
- Alphabet (all our letters from A to Z)
- Phone (what we use to call friends)
- Elephant (a big animal with a trunk)
- Phonics (how we learn our sounds!)
Top Tip: If you see a word with ph, try saying it with an /f/ sound. If it sounds like a word you know, you’ve cracked the code!
Key Takeaway:
When you see ph, think of the /f/ sound. It’s an f in disguise!
2. The "wh" Sound: The /w/ Disguise
The letters w and h like to team up too. They make the /w/ sound, just like the "w" in win or water.
The Question Words
We use wh for many words that we use to ask questions. These are very important words to learn:
- When (When is lunch?)
- Where (Where is my coat?)
- Which (Which one do you like?)
- Why (Why is the sky blue?)
Other "wh" Words:
- White (the colour of snow)
- Wheel (the round part of a bike)
- Whale (a giant animal in the sea)
Did you know? A long time ago, people used to make a little "huff" sound before the "w" when saying these words. Today, most of us just say /w/!
Key Takeaway:
Most question words start with wh. It makes the /w/ sound.
3. Using "k" for the /k/ Sound
You already know that the letter c and the letters ck can make the /k/ sound (like in cat or back). But sometimes, we have to use the letter k on its own.
The Special Rule
We use k for the /k/ sound when the very next letter is an e, an i, or a y. This is because if we used a "c" instead, it might change its sound to a "soft s" (like in ice or city).
Examples of "k" words:
- Kent (the name of a place)
- Sketch (a quick drawing)
- Kit (a set of things, like a football kit)
- Skin (what covers our bodies)
- King (a ruler)
- Kettle (used to boil water)
Common Mistake to Avoid:
If you are writing a word and hear the /k/ sound followed by i or e, remember to reach for the k, not the c!
Wrong: cin (This looks like "sin")
Right: kin
Key Takeaway:
Use k for the /k/ sound before the letters e, i, and y.
Quick Review Quiz
Can you remember which letters to use for these words?
- The big grey animal with a trunk: Ele__ant (is it f or ph?)
- Asking about a place: __ere (is it w or wh?)
- The metal thing that boils water: __ettle (is it c or k?)
Answers: 1. Elephant (ph), 2. Where (wh), 3. Kettle (k)
Well done! You are becoming a spelling expert!