Silent D

Learning the Silent D
The silent “d” in English has a few specific patterns, making it easier to learn than some other silent letters.

1. “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
2. 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.

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When is the Letter ’d’ Silent in English?
Words and Rules for Silent Letter D

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Words with Silent ‘D’

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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

Learning Consonants

Consonants
Letter B	Hard C	Soft C
Letter D	Letter F	Hard G
Soft G	Letter H	Letter J
Letter K	Letter L	Letter M
Letter N	Letter P	Letter Q
Letter R	Letter S	Letter T
Letter V	Letter W	Letter X
Letter Y	Letter Z	S & Z Sounds

Consonant Blends
BL Sound	CL Sound	FL Sound
GL Sound	PL Sound	SL Sound
BR Sound	CR Sound	DR Sound
FR Sound	GR Sound	PR Sound
TR Sound	SK Sound	SN Sound
SP Sound	ST Sound
3-letter Blends Str, Spr, Scr, Str, Shr, Spl, Thr	Ending Blends Nd, Nt, Nk, St, Ft, Lp, Ld, Lt, Mp, Sk

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