Silent Letters

Many words have silent letters.

🔸The k is silent in the initial kn- . E.g.
knife know knob knee knight
🔸The letters gh are silent in the final -ght. E.g.
light eight might right knight
🔸The letter h is silent in the initial wh. E.g.

what when where why whether

🔸The letter b is silent in the final -mb. E.g.
comb thumb tomb climb bomb numb
🔸The letter b is silent before t in words such as:
debt doubt
🔸The letter n is silent in the final -mn. E.g.
autumn column hymn damn condemn
🔸The letters h and w are silent in these combinations: rh- and wr
rhyme rhythm rhino
write wrestle wrap wrong
🔸An initial h is silent in many words, such as:
hour honest honour herb heir
🔸The letter t is silent in these words:
fasten listen castle soften Christmas mortgage
🔸The letter l is silent in these words:
would could should
🔸Final -e is always silent in English.
smile tale make have active cute
It is pronounced in some foreign (French) words: recipe fiancé