Spelling rules: silent letters

Recognising and spelling words with silent letters

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Add the silent letter: ___nee (the joint in your leg). ___nee (the joint in your leg).
Answer:
2
Which word contains a silent 'w'? A) wrist B) water C) winter D) wave
Answer:
3
Spell the word: a young sheep is called a lam___ (silent letter at the end). A young sheep is called a lam___.
Answer:
4
Which letter is silent in 'knight'? A) n B) i C) k D) t
Answer:
5
Which word has a silent 'h'? A) honest B) happy C) hello D) horse
Answer:
6
Add the silent letter: lis___en (to hear with attention). lis___en (to hear with attention).
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7
Which word has a silent 'b'? A) doubt B) bone C) balloon D) basket
Answer:
8
Add the silent letter: I would like to ___rite a story (the action of putting words on paper). I would like to ___rite a story.
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9
Which word has a silent 'gh'? A) light B) guess C) great D) gate
Answer:
10
Which has a silent 'p'? A) plant B) psalm C) park D) pencil
Answer:

Answer key

Spelling rules: silent letters · for parents and teachers

1
k
'Knee' has a silent k. Other examples: knife, knot, know, knight.
2
wrist
In 'wrist', the 'w' is silent. Other examples: write, wrong, wrap, wreck.
3
b
'Lamb' has a silent b. Other examples: climb, comb, thumb, bomb.
4
k
'Knight' starts with a silent 'k'.
5
honest
'Honest' starts with a silent h. Other examples: hour, honour, heir.
6
t
'Listen' has a silent t. Other examples: castle, whistle, soften, fasten.
7
doubt
'Doubt' has a silent b. Other examples: debt, subtle, thumb.
8
w
'Write' has a silent w at the start. Other examples: wrist, wrong, wrap, wreck.
9
light
In 'light', the 'gh' is silent. Other examples: night, bright, thought, bought.
10
psalm
'Psalm' starts with a silent 'p'.