Silent T

Learning the Silent T
Learning about the silent “t” in English words can be a bit tricky, as there isn’t one single, perfect rule. However, there are some common patterns and situations where the “t” is usually silent.

Common Situations Where “t” is Silent:

1. “-sten” and “-ften”: When “t” appears in these combinations, it is almost always silent.
   Examples:
   listen
   fasten
   hasten
   soften
   often (This is commonly pronounced both with and without the “t”.)
   glisten
   moisten
   
2. “-stle”: In words ending in “-stle,” the “t” is silent.
   Examples:
   castle
   whistle
   rustle
   bustle
   wrestle
   
3. “-stmas”: In the word “Christmas,” the “t” is silent.
4. In some other common words: There are a few other frequently used words where the “t” is silent, and they don’t neatly fit into the above categories.
   Examples:
   mortgage
   gourmet
   ballet
   

The following diagram shows some words with the silent T. Practice saying these words. Scroll down the page for more examples.

 

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When is the Letter ‘T’ Silent in English?
Words and Rules for Silent Letter T

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I’m a Silent T (Fun Phonics Song)

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Pronunciation - Silent T

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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

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Short Vowels
Short A	Short E	Short I
Short O	Short U	Short Vowels

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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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