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Phonics Rules

The logic behind English spelling. Stop memorizing, start understanding.

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Soft C & G Rules

C makes the /s/ sound before E, I, or Y (soft C). Otherwise, C makes /k/ (hard C).

Examples: cent city cycle rice

G can make /j/ before E, I, or Y (soft G). Otherwise, G makes /g/ (hard G).

Examples: gentle giant gym magic

Silent E Rules

SILENT_E_LONG Magic E (Long Vowel) →

rules.SILENT_E_LONG

Examples: make time hope cute

Since English avoids ending in V or U, a silent E is added (e.g. have, blue).

Examples: have love give blue

rules.SILENT_E_SOFT

Examples: dance prince change large

Consonant Rules

DGE_GUARD DGE Rule →

rules.DGE_GUARD

Examples: badge edge ridge fudge
CK_GUARD CK Rule →

rules.CK_GUARD

Examples: back neck sick duck
TCH_GUARD TCH Rule →

rules.TCH_GUARD

Examples: catch fetch pitch watch
DOUBLE_FLS Double F, L, S →

F, L, and S often double after a short vowel at the end of a base word (e.g. off, bell, miss).

Examples: off bell miss stuff

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are phonics rules?

Phonics rules are patterns that explain how letters and letter combinations make sounds in English. They help learners decode unfamiliar words by understanding the logic behind spelling.

Why is learning phonics rules important?

Instead of memorizing thousands of words, phonics rules let you understand WHY words are spelled a certain way. This makes learning more efficient and helps with both reading and spelling.

How many phonics rules are there?

English has approximately 31 core spelling rules and patterns that govern how words are spelled. WordChop helps you see these rules applied to real words.