2.5: The Consonant Sound [k]
- Page ID
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You can hear the sound [k] at the beginning and end of kick.
The sound [k] can be spelled a number of different ways, including <c>, <k>, <ck>, <cc>, and <ch>.
Examples
Underline the letter(s) that spell [k] in each word.
- look
- racket
Review
- In the words below, the sound [k] is spelled <c>, <k>, <ck>, <cc>, or <ch>. Underline the letters that spell [k] in each word.
music books according school could because kicker blackest ducks works caller account - Sort the words that contain [k] into these five groups. Be careful because one word goes into two groups:
Words in which [k] is spelled ... <c> <k> <ck> <cc> <ch> - Five ways to spell [k] are _______, _______, _______, _______, and _______.
- Show Answer
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music books according school could because kicker blackest ducks works caller account -
Words in which [k] is spelled ... <c> <k> <ck> <cc> <ch> music works ducks according school because kicker kicker account caller books blackest could - Five ways to spell [k] are <c>, <k>, <ck>, <cc>, and <ch>.
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Spelling [k]
The sound [k] is spelled eleven different ways. In spite of all these different spellings of [k], more than nine times out of ten [k] will be spelled either <c>, <k>, or <ck>.
Examples
In kind, the [k] is spelled <k>.
In bucket, the [k] is spelled <ck>.
In choral, the [k] is spelled <ch>.
Review
- Underline the letters that you think are spelling [k] in the following words. Then write the letters that spell [k] in the blanks. You should find that [k] is spelled eleven different ways.
Word [k] = Word [k] = zodiac acquired remarkable khan equally saccharine hockey bookcase schemer trekkie accommodations - Underline the letters that spell [k] at the beginning of each of the following words.
\begin{align*} &\text{counterfeit} && \text{kitchen} && \text{crime} && \text{community}\\ &\text{calculate} && \text{critical} && \text{kindly} && \text{climate}\\ &\text{condemn} &&\text{campaign} && \text{congress} && \text{capital}\\ &\text{key} &&\text{clinic} && \text{kettle} && \text{conscience}\end{align*}
- Sort the sixteen words into these two groups.
Words in which [k] is spelled ... <k> <c> - Underline the letter that comes right after the <c> or <k> in each of the sixteen words in Item 2 above. Then sort the words into this matrix.
Words in which [k] is spelled ... <c> <k> Words with an <i> or <e> right after the [k] Words with no <i> or <e> right after the [k] - In each of these words is the [k] sound at the beginning of the word, in the middle, or at the end? ________
- You should have seen that each time a word starts with [k] with an <i> or <e> right after it, the [k] is spelled <k>. Otherwise, [k] at the beginning of a word is spelled <c>. Have you ever seen a word begin with <ck>? ________ If you saw one, like maybe <ckurp>, wouldn't it look odd? ________
- At the beginning of a word, [k] is never spelled _____; it is usually spelled _____ or _____. If the [k] has an <i> or an <e> right after it, it is usually spelled _____; otherwise, it is usually spelled _____.
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Word [k] = Word [k] = zodiac <c> acquired <cq> remarkable <k> khan <kh> equally <q> saccharine <cch> hockey <ck> bookcase <kc> schemer <ch> trekkie <kk> accommodations <cc> - \begin{align*} & \underline{c}ounterfeit && \underline{k}itchen && \underline{c}rime && \underline{c}ommunity \\ & \underline{c}alculate && \underline{c}ritical && \underline{k}indly && \underline{c}limate \\ & \underline{c}ondemn && \underline{c}ampaign && \underline{c}ongress && \underline{c}apital \\ & \underline{k}ey && \underline{c}linic && \underline{k}ettle && \underline{c}onscience \end{align*}
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Words in which [k] is spelled ... <k> <c> key counterfeit crime kitchen calculate congress kindly condemn community kettle critical climate campaign capital clinic conscience -
Words in which [k] is spelled ... <c> <k> Words with an <i> or <e> right after the [k] key
kitchen
kindly
kettle
Words with no <i> or <e> right after the [k] counterfeit
calculate
condemn
critical
campaign
clinic
crime
congress
community
climate
capital
conscience
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In each of these words is there a [k] sound at the beginning of the word, in the middle, or at the end? At the beginning
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You should have seen that each time a word starts with [k] with an <i> or <e> right after it, the [k] is spelled <k>. Otherwise, [k] at the beginning of a word is spelled <c>. Have you ever seen a word begin with <ck>? No. If you saw one, like maybe <ckurp>, wouldn't it look odd? Yes.
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At the beginning of a word, [k] is never spelled <ck>; it is usually spelled <c> or <k>. If the [k] has an <i> or an <e> right after it, it is usually spelled <k>; otherwise, it is usually spelled <c>.
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Spelling [k] at the End of Words
At the end of a word, [k] will usually be spelled <k> if it has a long vowel or consonant sound or a short vowel sound spelled with a digraph right in front of it; but it will usually be spelled <ck> or <c> if it has a short vowel sound spelled with a single letter right in front of it.
Examples
Underline the letter(s) that spell [k] in the following words.
truck stock make bark embark
Review
- All of the following words end in the sound [k]. Underline the letter(s) that spell the final [k] in each word. Note that final <e>s are not part of the spelling of [k].
\begin{align*} &\text{remark} && \text{economic} && \text{break} && \text{seismic}\\ &\text{wreck} && \text{shriek} && \text{o'clock} && \text{speck}\\ &\text{mistake} &&\text{scientific} && \text{brook} && \text{hawk}\\ &\text{struck} &&\text{knock} && \text{rebuke} && \text{provoke}\\ &\text{unmask} &&\text{overlook} && \text{earthquake} && \text{shark}\end{align*} - Sort the twenty words into these three groups:
Words in which the final [k] is spelled ... <c> <ck> <k> - Now sort the twenty words into these two groups:
Words with a consonant sound right in front of the final [k] Words with a vowel sound right in front of the final [k] - Now sort into this matrix the seventeen words from Item 3 with a vowel sound in front of the final [k].
Note: Here are some words with short vowel sounds: bat, bet, bit, bought, book, but. And here are some with long vowel sounds: bait, beet, bite, boat, boot, beaut.Words in which the final [k] is spelled ... <c> or <ck> <k> Words with a short vowel sound spelled with a single letter in front of the [k] Words with a short vowel sound spelled with a digraph in front of the [k] Words with a long vowel sound in front of the [k] - How is the final [k] spelled in the three words that have a consonant sound in front of it? ______ How is it spelled in the five words that have a long vowel in front of it? ________ How is it spelled in the three words that have a short vowel spelled with a digraph right in front of it? ________
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- \begin{align*} & remar\underline{k} && economi\underline{k} && brea\underline{k} && seismi\underline{k} \\ & wre\underline{ck} && shrie\underline{k} && o'clo\underline{ck} && spe\underline{ck} \\ & mista\underline{k}e && scientifi\underline{k} && broo\underline{k} && haw\underline{k} \\ & stru\underline{ck} && kno\underline{ck} && rebu\underline{k}e && provo\underline{k}e \\ & unmas\underline{k} && overloo\underline{k} && earthqua\underline{k}e && shar\underline{k} \end{align*}
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Words in which the final [k] is spelled ... <c> <ck> <k> economic wreck remark break seismic o'clock shriek mistake scientific speck brook hawk struck rebuke provoke knock unmask overlook earthquake shark -
Words with a consonant sound right in front of the final [k] Words with a vowel sound right in front of the final [k] remark economic seismic unmask scientific wreck shark o'clock speck struck knock shriek brook rebuke earthquake break mistake hawk provoke overlook -
Words in which the final [k] is spelled ... <c> or <ck> <k> Words with a short vowel sound spelled with a single letter in front of the [k] wreck
struck
economic
scientific
knock
o’clock
seismic
speck
Words with a short vowel sound spelled with a digraph in front of the [k] overlook
brook
hawk
Words with a long vowel sound in front of the [k] mistake
shriek
rebuke
break
earthquake
provoke
- How is the final [k] spelled in the three words that have a consonant sound in front of it? <k> How is it spelled in the five words that have a long vowel in front of it? <k> How is it spelled in the three words that have a short vowel spelled with a digraph right in front of it? <k>.
Words That End in <c> and <ck>
If a word ends in [k] with a short vowel sound in front of it, the [k] will usually be spelled either <ck> or <c>. If the word has only one vowel sound, the [k] will usually be spelled <ck>. If the word has more than one vowel sound, the [k] will usually be spelled <c>.
Examples
Below are some words that end with the sound [k] spelled <ck>:
tick clock wreck quick
The following words spelled [k] with <c> at the end:
music patriotic traffic athletic
Review
- Underline the letters that spell the final [k] in each of them. Don't worry yet about the columns labeled ‘Sounds’:
Word Sounds Word Sounds Word Sounds Word Sounds poetic wreck specific speck struck athletic elastic enthusiastic scientific quick zodiac check knock sick economic sympathetic traffic seismic schlock patriotic - Now pronounce each word carefully. Listen for the number of vowel sounds in each word. In the ‘Sounds’ columns write that number. Eight of the words have one vowel sound. Two have two vowel sounds. Five have three vowel sounds. Four have four vowel sounds, and one has five.
- Now sort the twenty words into this matrix:
<c> <ck> Words with only one vowel sound Words with more than one vowel sound -
The following words all contain two vowel sounds but still end in <ck>. Be ready to discuss why they can be analyzed to show that they actually do not contradict the conclusion that in words with only vowel sound final [k] will usually be spelled <ck>:
Word Analysis horseback aftershock o'clock airsick thunderstruck yardstick
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1. and 2.
Word Sounds Word Sounds Word Sounds Word Sounds poetic 3 wreck 1 specific 3 speck 1 struck 1 athletic 3 elastic 3 enthusiastic 5 scientific 4 quick 1 zodiac 3 check 1 knock 1 sick 1 economic 4 sympathetic 4 traffic 2 seismic 2 schlock 1 patriotic 4
3.Words with the final [k] spelled ... <c> <ck> Words with only one vowel sound struck
knock
wreck
quick
sick
chlock
speck
check
Words with more than one vowel sound poetic
scientific
traffic
athletic
reissue
specific
elastic
zodiac
economic
enthusiastic
sympathetic
patriotic
4.Word Analysis horseback horse + back aftershock after + shock o’clock o’ + clock airsick air + sick thunderstruck thunder + struck yardstick yard + stick
Spelling [k] in the Middle of Words
Often when a [k] is in the middle of a word, it is actually at the beginning or the end of a shorter word, or free stem, inside the longer one.
For instance, there is a [k] in the middle of recall. But recall actually is made up of the prefix re- and the free stem call: recall = re + call. The [k] in call behaves just the way it is supposed to when it is at the front of a word: It is spelled <c> rather than <k> because it does not have an <e> or <i> after it, and it is not spelled <ck> because words don't start with <ck>.
The word darkroom has a [k] in the middle. But darkroom is a compound that analyzes to the two free stems dark and room: darkroom = dark + room. So the [k] in darkroom is really at the end of the free stem dark - and it behaves just as it is supposed to: It is spelled <k> rather than <c> or <ck> because of the consonant in front of it.
In a very few words there is a <ck> spelling that occurs when a free stem that ends in <c> has a suffix added to it that starts with <e>, <i>, or <y>: A <k> is inserted after the <c>: For instance, panic + ed = panic + k + ed = panicked. The <k> is inserted to avoid having the <c> look as if it should be pronounced as a soft <c>, [s] before the <e>, <i>, or <y>, as it would if we wrote *paniced.
Examples
The following words contain a [k] in the middle of an element.
\begin{align*} &\text{contractor} && \text{subjects} && \text{hockey} && \text{sacrifice}\\ &\text{picnics} && \text{perfectly} && \text{collects} && \text{function}\\ &\text{instruction} &&\text{ankle} && \text{affectionate} && \text{picture}\\ &\text{infection} &&\text{describe} && \text{pickle} && \text{electrician}\\ &\text{restriction} &&\text{spectacle} && \text{crocodile} && \text{intellectual}\\ &\text{transcription} &&\text{production} && \text{introduction} && \text{instinctive}\\ &\text{chuckle} &&\text{skirts} && \text{donkey} && \text{wrinkles}\\ &\text{sketches} &&\text{skyscraper} && \text{skies} && \text{tackle}\end{align*}
Review
- All of the following words have a [k] somewhere in the middle. Each of the words actually contains a free stem that has the [k] either at the beginning or the end.
First, underline the letter(s) that spell [k].
Second, analyze each word enough to show the free stem that begins or ends with [k].
Third, be ready to talk about why the [k] is spelled the way it is in the free stems.Word Analysis checkout unconscious unkindly remarkable inconsistent unenthusiastically trickiest passkey breakfast musicality encourage trickster sickeningly wreckage mistakenly jackknife bookcase schlockiest backcast unluckily -
Here are some words that involve <k> insertion. Analyze each one to show how the the <k> was inserted.
Word Analysis: Free stem + suffix panicked panic + k + ed panicky picnicking trafficker bivouacked
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Word Analysis checkout check + out unconscious un + conscious unkindly un + kind + ly remarkable remark + able inconsistent in + consist + ent unenthusiastically unenthusiastic + al + ly trickiest trick + y+ i + estpasskey pass + key breakfast break + fast musicality music + al + ity encourage en + courage trickster trick + ster sickeningly sick + en + ing + ly wreckage wreck + age mistakenly mistak e+ en + lyjackknife jack + knife bookcase book + case schlockiest schlock + y+ i + estbackcast back + cast unluckily un + luck + y+ i + ly -
Word Analysis: Free stem + suffix panicked panic + k + ed panicky panic + k + y picnicking picnic + k + ing trafficker traffic + k + er bivouacked bivouac + k + ed
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The Sound [k] before <le>
When the sound [k] is followed by the letters <le>, it can be spelled <k>, <c>, or <ck>.
If the [k] sound follows a consonant, it is spelled <k>. If it follows a vowel, it is spelled <c> or <ck> depending on whether the vowel is short or long and whether it is stressed.
Examples
Does a <k>, <ck>, or <c> come before the <le> in each word? What comes before the [k] sound - a consonant or vowel?
- ankle - <k> - consonant
- article - <c> - vowel
- tackle - <ck> - vowel
- For the two words that involve a vowel right before the [k] sound, which one is a stressed short vowel? - tackle
Review
- Here are some words that have [k] right in front of an <le> that comes at the end of the word. Sometimes the [k] is spelled <k>, sometimes <ck>, sometimes <c>. Sort the words into the two groups described below. The three example words have already been done.
\begin{align*} &\text{wrinkle} && \text{ankle} && \text{sparkle} && \text{trickle} && \text{tackle}\\ &\text{spectacle} && \text{tickle} && \text{barnacle} && \text{miracle} && \text{obstacle}\\ &\text{particle} &&\text{cycle} && \text{chronicle} && \text{twinkle} && \text{vehicle}\\ &\text{icicle} &&\text{chuckle} && \text{freckle} && \text{article} && \text{bicycle}\\ &\text{pickle} &&\text{heckle} && \text{shackle} && \text{receptacle} && \text{oracle}\end{align*}
- In words in which [k] follows a consonant and is in turn followed by an <le> that comes at the end of the word, the [k] is spelled ___.
- Read aloud each of the words in the table above in which the [k] follows a vowel. In each word mark the vowel that has strong stress on it, like this: wrínkle and spéctacle. The vowel with strong stress will not always be the vowel right in front of the [k]. If you get confused, don't be afraid to ask for help or to look words up in your dictionary.
- Now sort the words you just marked into these two groups.
Words in which the vowel right in front of the [k] has strong stress does not have strong stress - In words that have a [k] right in front of an <le> that comes at the end of the word and a vowel that does not have strong stress right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled ___.
- Now read over your list of words with a vowel with strong stress right in front of the [k]. Sort the words into these two groups.
Words in which the vowel right in front of the [k] is ... short long - In words that have a [k] right in front of an <le> that comes at the end of the word and a vowel with strong stress right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled ___ if the vowel is short, and it is spelled ___ if the vowel is long.
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In words that have a [k] right in front of an <le> that comes at the end of the word:
(i) If there is a stressed short vowel right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled ___;
(ii) If there is a weak vowel or a strong long vowel right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled ___; and
(iii) If there is a consonant right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled ___.
| Vowel | Consonant | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| article | |||
| ankle | |||
| tackle | |||
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Words in which the [k] follows a ... Vowel Consonant spectacle heckle article wrinkle particle barnacle receptacle ankle icicle chronicle tackle sparkle pickle freckle obstacle twinkle tickle shackle vehicle cycle trickle bicycle chuckle miracle oracle - In words in which [k] follows a consonant and is in turn followed by an <le> that comes at the end of the word, the [k] is spelled <k>.
- Read aloud each of the words in which the [k] follows a vowel. In each word mark the vowel that has strong stress on it, like this: wrínkle and spéctacle. The vowel with strong stress will not always be the vowel right in front of the [k]. If you get confused, don't be afraid to ask for help or to look words up in your dictionary. (See table in question 1 for answers.)
- Now sort the words you just marked into these two groups.
Words in which the vowel right in front of the [k] has strong stress does not have strong stress pickle shackle spectacle vehicle cycle tackle particle barnacle heckle freckle article bicycle tickle icicle miracle chuckle obstacle receptacle trickle chronicle oracle - In words that have a [k] right in front of an <le> that comes at the end of the word and a vowel that does not have strong stress right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled <c>.
- Now read over your list of words with a vowel with strong stress right in front of the [k]. Sort the words into these two groups.
Words in which the vowel right in front of the [k] is ... short long pickle chuckle tackle cycle heckle trickle freckle tickle shackle - In words that have a [k] right in front of an <le> that comes at the end of the word and a vowel with strong stress right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled <ck> if the vowel is short, and it is spelled <c> if the vowel is long.
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In words that have a [k] right in front of an <le> that comes at the end of the word:
(i) If there is a stressed short vowel right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled <ck>;
(ii) If there is a weak vowel or a strong long vowel right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled <c>; and
(iii) If there is a consonant right in front of the [k], the [k] is spelled <k>.
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The Combinations [ks] and [kw]
Four ways of spelling [ks] are <ks>, <x>, <cks>, and <cs>.
The combination [kw] is normally spelled <qu>.
Examples
You can hear the combination [kw] at the beginning of queen.
You can hear the combination [ks] at the end of fix.
Review
- Underline the letters that spell [ks] or [kw]. In words like likes the <e> is not helping spell the [ks]. It is marking the long vowel, so you should just underline the <k> and <s>: likes.
- \begin{align*} &\text{expense} && \text{squeaks} && \text{jokes} && \text{tricks}\\ &\text{blinks} && \text{mixed} && \text{remarks} && \text{required}\\ &\text{quizzed} &&\text{parks} && \text{exercise} && \text{fox}\\ &\text{locks} &&\text{mechanics} && \text{quits} && \text{attacks}\\ &\text{relax} &&\text{taxes} && \text{mistakes} && \text{weeks}\end{align*}
- Sort the words into these two groups. Be careful: One word goes into both groups.
Words that Contain [ks]: Words that Contain [kw]: - In seven words [ks] is spelled ______
- In six words [ks] is spelled ______
- In three words [ks] is spelled ______
- In one word [ks] is spelled ______
- Sort the words that contain [ks] into these four groups:
Words with [ks] spelled ... <ks> <x> <cks> <cs> - Four ways of spelling [ks] are ______, ______, ______, and ______.
- In all the words that contain [kw], how is the [kw] spelled? ______. That is the way we spell [kw] just about all the time!
- The combination [kw] is normally spelled ______.
- Show Answer
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- \begin{align*} & e\underline{\underline{x}}pense && s\underline{q}uea\underline{k}s && jo\underline{k}es && tri\underline{cks} \\ & blin\underline{ks} && mi\underline{x}ed && remar\underline{ks} && re\underline{qu}ired \\ & \underline{qu}izzed && par\underline{ks} && e\underline{x}ercise && fo\underline{x} \\ & lo\underline{cks} && mechani\underline{cs} && \underline{qu}its && atta\underline{cks} \\ & rela\underline{x} && ta\underline{x}es && mista\underline{k}es && wee\underline{ks} \end{align*}
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Words that Contain [ks]: Words that Contain [kw]: expense jokes quizzed blinks remarks squeaks locks exercise quits relax mistakes require squeaks tricks mixed fox parks attacks mechanics weeks taxes - In seven words [ks] is spelled <ks>
- In six words [ks] is spelled <x>
- In three words [ks] is spelled <cks>
- In one word [ks] is spelled <cs>
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Words with [ks] spelled ... <ks> <x> <cks> <cs> blinks expense locks mechanics squeaks relax tricks parks mixed attacks jokes taxes remarks exercise mistakes fox weeks - Four ways of spelling [ks] are <ks>, <x>, <cks>, and <cs>.
- In all the words that contain [kw], how is the [kw] spelled? <qu>. That is the way we spell [kw] just about all the time!
- The combination [kw] is normally spelled <qu>.
Some Prefixes That Make <cc>
When they are added to stems that start with <c>, the three prefixes ad-, sub-, and ob- assimilate to ac-, suc-, and oc-, making a <cc> toward the front of the word. Sometimes the <cc> spells the sound [k]; sometimes it spells [ks].
Examples
The words below are analyzed to show where the two <c>s come from.
| Word | Prefix + Stem |
|---|---|
| accelerate | a + c + celerate |
| occasionally | o + c + casionally |
| successful | su + c + cessful |
Review
All of the following words contain one of these prefixes. Analyze each word into the prefix and stem and show where the two <c>s come from.
| Word | Prefix + Stem |
|---|---|
| 1. accelerate | a + c + celerate |
| 2. according | |
| 3. account | |
| 4. occasionally | |
| 5. successful | |
| 6. occurrence | |
| 7. occupy | |
| 8. accident | |
| 9. accurate | |
| 10. access | |
| 11. occupation | |
| 12. accompany | |
| 13. accommodate | |
| 14. succinctly | |
| 15. accuse | |
| 16. accumulate |
17. Sort the words into these two groups.
| [k] | [ks] | |
|---|---|---|
18. Look carefully at the letter that comes right after the <cc> in each of the words. Then sort the words into this matrix.
| [k] | [ks] | |
|---|---|---|
| Words that have <e> or <i> following the <cc> | ||
| Words that do not have <e> or <i> following the <cc> |
- Show Answer
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Word Prefix + Stem 1. accelerate a + c + celerate 2. according a + c + cord 3. account a + c + count 4. occasionally o + c + casionally 5. successful su + c + cessful 6. occurrence o + c + currence 7. occupy o + c + cupy 8. accident a + c + cident 9. accurate a + c + curate 10. access a + c + cess 11. occupation o + c + cupation 12. accompany a + c + company 13. accommodate a + c + commodate 14. succinctly su + c + cinctly 15. accuse a + c + cuse 16. accumulate a + c + cumulate
17. Sort the words into these two groups.Words in which the <cc> spells ... [k] [ks] according occupation accelerate account accompany successful occasionally accommodate accident occurrence accuse access occupy accumulate succinctly accurate 18. Look carefully at the letter that comes right after the <cc> in each of the words. Then sort the words into this matrix.
Words in which the <cc> spells ... [k] [ks] Words that have <e> or <i> following the <cc> accelerate
successful
accident
access
succinctly
Words that do not have <e> or <i> following the <cc> according
account
occasionally
occurrence
occupy
accurate
occupation
accompany
accommodate
accuse
accumulate
Explore More
Sometimes <cc> spells [k] and sometimes it spells [ks]. All of the following words contain the sound [ks], spelled different ways.
- Underline the letters that spell the [ks] in each of these words.
\begin{align*}&\text{exclusive} && \text{exclamation} && \text{experience}\\ &\text{hawks} && \text{complexity} && \text{sharks}\\ &\text{picnics} && \text{explode} && \text{extraordinary}\\ &\text{extend} && \text{shrieks} && \text{knocks}\\ &\text{wrecks} && \text{economics} && \text{medics}\end{align*} - Sort the fifteen words above into these groups.
Words in which [ks] is spelled ... <cs> <cks> <ks> <x>
- Show Answer
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- \begin{align*}& e\underline{x}clusive && e\underline{x}clamation && e\underline{x}perience\\ & haw\underline{ks} && comple\underline{x}ity && shar\underline{ks} \\ & picni\underline{cs} && e\underline{x}plode && e\underline{x}traordinary \\ & e\underline{x}tend && shrie\underline{ks} && kno\underline{cks} \\ & wre\underline{cks} && economi\underline{cs} && medi\underline{cs}\end{align*}
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Words in which [ks] is spelled ... <cs> <cks> <ks> <x> picnics knocks hawks exclusive economics wrecks shrieks extend medics sharks exclamation complexity explode experience extraordinary
[k] Spelled <q> or <qu>
In a few words the letter <q> is used in the spelling of the sound [k]. The letter <q> almost always is followed by the letter <u>. Sometimes the <u> spells the sound [w] so that the <qu> spells [kw]. Sometimes the <qu> spells just [k].
Whether it's spelling [kw] or [k], <qu> nearly always comes at the very beginning or the very end of the element it is in.
Examples
In the word unique, <qu> spells [k].
In the word equipment, <qu> spells [kw].
Review
- Read the following words, paying special attention to whether the <qu> in each spells [kw] or just [k]. Next, sort the words into the two groups below.
\begin{align*} &\text{antique} && \text{conquest} && \text{consequently} && \text{mosquito} && \text{requirement}\\ &\text{earthquake} && \text{equality} && \text{equipment} && \text{squadron} && \text{square}\\ &\text{equivalent} && \text{physique} && \text{exquisite} && \text{frequently} && \text{squirrel}\\ &\text{liquor} && \text{liquid} && \text{unique} && \text{request} && \text{squeak}\\ &\text{quantity} && \text{quarrel} && \text{question} && \text{technique} && \text{subsequently}\\ &\text{quickly} && \text{picturesque} && \text{quietly} && \text{quotation} && \text{squeeze}\end{align*}
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In words in which <qu> spells [kw], the <u> spells [w], so [k] is spelled _______. But in words in which the <u> does not spell [w], [k] is spelled ________.
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In the thirty words above, there are eleven in which the [k] spelled either <q> or <qu> is the first or the last sound in the word. When it comes at the end, it has a silent final <e> insulating the <u>. Find the eleven words and copy them into the table below.
Words in which the [k] spelled <q> or <qu> is the ... first sound in the word last sound in the word -
When the [k] is not the first or last sound of the word it is in, it nearly always is the first or last sound of the element it is in. For instance, earthquake is earth + quake, with the [k] spelled <q> as the first sound in the free stem quake. Analyze each of the following words. Show any assimilation where a letter changed when elements were added together.
Word Formula Analysis earthquake Free stem + free stem earth + quake conquest Prefix + free base exquisite Prefix + bound stem requirement Prefix + bound base + suffix request Prefix + free base liquor Bound base + suffix -or liquid Bound base + suffix equality Bound base + suffix + suffix subsequently Prefix + bound base + suffix -ent + suffix2 consequently Prefix + bound base + suffix1 + suffix2 turquoise Bound base + suffix -oise bouquet Bound base + suffix -et mosquito Bound base + suffix -ito frequently Bound base + suffix1 + suffix2 -
In five of the thirty words in Item 1 in which [k] is spelled <q>, the <qu> is part of the cluster <squ>. Those five words are
_______, _______, _______, _______, and _______. -
Where does the <squ> cluster come in these five words? _______
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The <q> or <qu> that spell [k] are nearly always at the very _______ or _______ of the element in which they occur.
| [kw] | [k] | ||
|---|---|---|---|
- Show Answer
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Words in which <qu> spells ... [kw] [k] earthquake consequently quotation antique equivalent equipment requirement liquor quantity exquisite square physique quickly question squirrel picturesque conquest quietly squeak unique equality squadron subsequently mosquito liquid frequently squeeze turquoise quarrel request -
In words in which <qu> spells [kw], the <u> spells [w], so [k] is spelled <q>. But in words in which the <u> does not spell [w], [k] is spelled <qu>.
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Whether it’s spelling [kw] or [k], <qu> nearly always comes at the very beginning or the very end of the element it is in.
Words in which the [k] spelled <q> or <qu> is the ... first sound in the word last sound in the word quantity question antique unique quickly quietly physique technique quarrel quotation picturesque -
Word Formula Analysis earthquake Free stem + free stem earth + quake conquest Prefix + free base co m+ n + questexquisite Prefix + bound stem ex + quisite requirement Prefix + bound base + suffix re + quire + ment request Prefix + free base re + quest liquor Bound base + suffix -or liqu + or liquid Bound base + suffix liqui + id equality Bound base + suffix + suffix equ + al + ity subsequently Prefix + bound base + suffix -ent + suffix2 sub + sequ + ent + ly consequently Prefix + bound base + suffix1 + suffix2 co m+ n + sequ + ent + lyturquoise Bound base + suffix -oise turqu + oise bouquet Bound base + suffix -et bouqu + et mosquito Bound base + suffix -ito mosqu + ito frequently Bound base + suffix1 + suffix2 frequ + ent + ly -
In five of the thirty words in Item 1 in which [k] is spelled <q>, the <qu> is part of the cluster <squ>. Those five words are:
\begin{align*}& squadron && square && squirrel && squeak && squeeze\end{align*} -
Where does the <squ> cluster come in these five words? At the front
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The <q> or <qu> that spell [k] are nearly always at the very front or end of the element in which they occur.
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[k] Spelled <ch> or <lk>
Most of the words in English that contain the sound [k] spelled <ch> come from old Greek words with chi.
We borrowed the letters of our alphabet from the Romans. The Romans had borrowed their alphabet from a group of people called the Etruscans, who had borrowed theirs from the Greeks. One of the Greeks' letters looked like our <X>. It was called chi, pronounced [kī], and it spelled the sound [k]. When we borrowed Greek words that contained chi, we changed the spelling from <x> to <ch>, still pronounced [k] - as in words like chorus, school, and Christmas.
There is one other spelling of [k] that is worth a special look. In a few words [k] is spelled <lk> - as in chalk. A long time ago the <l> was pronounced, but no longer.
Examples
The following words contain a <ch> spelling of [k].
school anchor christmas
The following words contain an <lk> spelling of [k] where the <l> is no longer pronounced.
talk walk stalk
Review
- Underline the <ch> spellings of [k] in each of the following words.
\begin{align*} &\text{orchestra} && \text{school} && \text{architect} && \text{psychiatrist}\\ &\text{chorus} && \text{chaos} && \text{echo} && \text{scholar}\\ &\text{chronicle} && \text{mechanic} && \text{character} && \text{orchid}\\ &\text{ache} && \text{schedule} && \text{scheme} && \text{chord}\\ &\text{psychology} &&\text{chemical} && \text{anchor} && \text{christmas}\\ &\text{monarch} &&\text{stomach} && \text{technical} && \text{chlorophyll}\end{align*} - Sort the words into the three groups described below.
Words in which [k] is spelled <ch> ... at the front in the middle at the end chorus orchestra scheme ache chronicle psychology anchor monarch chaos school technical stomach chemical mechanic psychiatrist character schedule scholar chord architect orchid Christmas echo chlorophyll - All of the following words contain an <l> that is usually no longer pronounced. Six of them end in the sound [k] spelled <lk>. Sort the sixteen words into the four groups described below.
\begin{align*} &\text{salmon} && \text{talk} && \text{stalk} && \text{halve}\\ &\text{walk} && \text{yolk} && \text{palm} && \text{chalk}\\ &\text{folk} &&\text{halfway} && \text{psalm} && \text{calves}\\ &\text{calf} &&\text{calm} && \text{salve} && \text{behalf}\end{align*}Words that end ... <lk> <lf> <lm> <lve> walk calf salmon salve folk halfway calm halve talk behalf palm calves yolk psalm stalk chalk - In the words in which [k] is spelled <lk>, what letter usually is right in front of the <l>? ______. In words in which [k] is spelled <lk>, what other letter sometimes is right in front of the <l>? ______. In words that end <alk>, which does the <a> spell: [a] or [o]? ______. In words that end <olk>, which does the <o> spell: [o] or [ō]? ______.
- Show Answer
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- \begin{align*} & or\underline{ch}estra && s\underline{ch}ool && ar\underline{ch}itect && psy\underline{ch}iatrist \\ & \underline{ch}orus && \underline{ch}aos && e\underline{ch}o && s\underline{ch}olar \\ & \underline{ch}ronicle && me\underline{ch}anic && \underline{ch}aracter && or\underline{ch}id \\ & a\underline{ch}e && s\underline{ch}edule && s\underline{ch}eme && \underline{ch}ord \\ & psy\underline{ch}ology && \underline{ch}emical && an\underline{ch}or && \underline{ch}ristmas \\ & monar\underline{ch} && stoma\underline{ch} && te\underline{ch}nical && \underline{ch}lorophyll \end{align*}
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Words in which [k] is spelled <ch> ... at the front in the middle at the end chorus orchestra scheme ache chronicle psychology anchor monarch chaos school technical stomach chemical mechanic psychiatrist character schedule scholar chord architect orchid Christmas echo chlorophyll -
Words that end ... <lk> <lf> <lm> <lve> walk calf salmon salve folk halfway calm halve talk behalf palm calves yolk psalm stalk chalk - In the words in which [k] is spelled <lk>, what letter usually is right in front of the <l>? <a>. In words in which [k] is spelled <lk>, what other letter sometimes is right in front of the <l>? <o>. In words that end <alk>, which does the <a> spell: [a] or [o]? [o]. In words that end <olk>, which does the <o> spell: [o] or [ō]? [ō].