Lesson4: Silent H
IInthis series of lessons, you will learn some useful spelling rules inEnglish.
This lesson talks about a letter that is often, but not always, silent:the letter h.
Downloada free worksheet + answer key.
The letter his not always silent, but we will study some cases when it is notpronounced.
There is not a 100% certain rule about when you must pronounce theletter h,so be sure to check the pronunciation of new words in a dictionary if you are not sure.
Also, it is a good idea to keep a list of words with silent letters tohelp you remember. This article will cover the most common words with asilent h.
For example, the his sometimes silent at the beginning of words.
Click Here for Step-by-Step Rules, Stories and Exercises to Practice All English Tenses
If you want to know how long something takes, you can use an hourglass.The sand moves from the top to the bottom during a certain amount oftime, for example, one hour.
The h issilent at the beginning of the word hour.
Here are some more examples of words with a silent h at the beginning:
- honor
- honest
- heir
You can also find a silent hafter the letter cin some very common English words.
For example, if your car is not working, you must take it to the mechanic.
In this word, the his silent. We only pronounce the sound of the letter c.
Remember that the his only sometimessilent after the letter c.Here are some more examples of words with a silent h after the letter c to add to yourlist:
- chorus
- chemistry
- technology
- echo
- stomach
- school
The h isalso often silent after the letter w.However, this will depend a bit on the accent of the person who isspeaking.
For example, the coach uses his whistleto get the players' attention.
This silent his common in question words and a few other common words in English:
- why
- what
- when
- where
- which
- whisper
- white
- wheel
- while
Finally, the his also sometimessilent after the letter g,the letter r,or the ex-combination.
For example, drums are very important because they maintain the rhythmof the music.
Here are some common words with a silent h after the letter g or the letter r:
- ghost
- rhyme
- rhinoceros
- exhibit
- exhausted
Youwill see some more examples as you continue to study English, but theseare the most common words you will find with a silent h.
Look at our worksheet on the silent hfor practiceand review.
Review
So, let's review what we have learned about the silent h in English:
- The his only sometimessilent.
- This happens often after the letter w at the beginningof a word.
- It also sometimeshappens after the letters c,g, r, or ex-.
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As a language enthusiast with a deep understanding of English spelling rules, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the article discussing the silent 'h.' My expertise in linguistics and language mechanics allows me to provide a comprehensive analysis of the concepts presented.
The article revolves around Lesson 4: Silent H, where the author imparts valuable insights into the usage of the letter 'h' in English words. The underlying theme emphasizes that the letter 'h' is not always silent, and the article aims to shed light on instances when it is either pronounced or silent.
Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
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Introduction to Silent H: The article starts by introducing the concept of a silent 'h' in English words. It emphasizes that while the letter 'h' is sometimes silent, there isn't a foolproof rule governing its pronunciation. Learners are encouraged to consult dictionaries for correct pronunciation.
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Silent H at the Beginning of Words: The article provides examples of words where the 'h' is silent at the beginning. Notable examples include "hour," "honor," "honest," and "their." This demonstrates a keen awareness of words where the 'h' is not pronounced.
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Silent H after the Letter C: The author expands on cases where the 'h' is silent after the letter 'c,' such as in words like "mechanic." The distinction is made that this rule is not absolute and applies selectively.
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Silent H after the Letter W: Another scenario discussed is the silent 'h' after the letter 'w.' The author acknowledges variations in pronunciation based on regional accents. Examples include "whistle" in the sentence about a coach getting players' attention.
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Silent H after the Letters G, R, or Ex-: The article highlights instances where the 'h' is sometimes silent after the letters 'g,' 'r,' or the 'ex-' combination. Words like "ghost," "rhyme," "exhibit," and "exhausted" are presented as examples.
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Review of Silent H Rules: A summary is provided, reinforcing the idea that the 'h' is only sometimes silent. It recaps the frequent occurrence of a silent 'h' after the letter 'w' at the beginning of words and after the letters 'c,' 'g,' 'r,' or 'ex-.'
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Worksheet and Practice: The article encourages learners to download a free worksheet for practice and review. This practical approach aligns with effective language learning strategies, allowing learners to reinforce their understanding through exercises.
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Call to Action and Resources: The article concludes with a call to action, prompting readers to download additional resources for further learning, such as worksheets and English short stories. This showcases a commitment to providing comprehensive learning materials.
In summary, the article on the silent 'h' demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English spelling rules, presenting clear examples and encouraging practical application through exercises. The author's expertise is evident in the detailed explanations and guidance provided for learners.
