LoginThe Letter W
In this lesson, we will learn about all the sounds of the letter W. It is the twenty-third and fourth-to-last letter of the English alphabet. Let's begin.
W is the twenty-third and fourth-to-last letter of the English alphabet. It is a semi-vowel.
Semi-vowels are sounds between consonants and vowels that are pronounced with some restriction in the vocal tract.
| Uppercase Form | W |
|---|---|
| Lowercase | w |
| Name | double-u (pronounced /dʌbljuː/) |
| Common Sounds | /w/, /∅/ |
The Letter W: Sounds
'w' has two sounds:
Sound 1: /w/
'w' sounds /w/:
Sound 2: /∅/
There are instances in English where 'w' is silent:
s
t
The Letter W: Multigraphs
The letter w can be combined with other letters:
ow
The digraph 'ow' in English can produce two primary sounds:
- /aʊ/
- /oʊ/
1. The /aʊ/ sound found in words like:
h
br
t
2. Also, the /oʊ/ sound found in words like:
sn
sh
fl
aw
'aw' typically makes the /ɔː/ sound:
h
cl
r
ew
'ew' sounds /uː/:
St
st
n
wh
'wh' in some words sounds /h/; however, 'wh' can also sound /w/, note that lips are rounded pronouncing this letter.
Tip!
The Letter W: Use
W can be used as:
• The abbreviation of west; western
• The abbreviation of Watt
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