Silent D
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Videos and songs to help First Grade kids learn about the silent D.
The silent D appears in certain English words where the letter D is written but not pronounced.
Learning the Silent D
The silent “d” in English has a few specific patterns, making it easier to learn than some other silent letters.
- “d” before “g” (-dg-): This is the most common situation where “d” is silent. When “d” comes immediately before “g,” the “d” is not pronounced. This usually occurs at the end of words. Examples: badge, bridge, edge, fudge, hedge, judge, ledge, pledge, ridge
- In some common words: There are a handful of common words where the “d” is silent, but they don’t follow a clear pattern like the “-dg-” rule. These are best learned through memorization. Examples: Wednesday, handsome, handkerchief, sandwich
The following diagram shows some words with the silent D. Practice saying these words. Scroll down the page for more examples.
Key Points to Remember:
- Focus on the “-dg-” pattern: This is the most reliable pattern. When you see “-dg-” at the end of a word, the “d” is silent.
- Memorize the exceptions: The words “Wednesday,” “handsome,” “handkerchief,” and “sandwich” are the main exceptions you’ll need to remember.
When is the Letter ’d’ Silent in English?
Words and Rules for Silent Letter D
Words with Silent ‘D’
| Silent Letters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Silent B | Silent C | Silent D |
| Silent E | Silent G | Silent GH |
| Silent H | Silent K | Silent L |
| Silent T | Silent W | |
Learn the Sounds of the Letters
Learning Short Vowels
| Short Vowels | ||
|---|---|---|
| Short A | Short E | Short I |
| Short O | Short U | Short Vowels |
Learning Long Vowels
| Long Vowels | ||
|---|---|---|
| Long A | Long E | Long I |
| Long O | Long U | Y (vowel) |
| Long Vowels | Short, Long Vowels | |
Compare Short & Long Vowels
| Short & Long Vowels | ||
|---|---|---|
| Short & Long A | Short & Long E | Short & Long I |
| Short & Long O | Short & Long U | Short I & Long E |
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