Watch out for the silent t in these words!
The origins of silent t words can be traced back to the history of the English language itself. Many of these words have their roots in Old English, where the t was actually pronounced.
However, as the language evolved over centuries, and absorbed influences from French and Latin, the pronunciation of the t gradually faded away. The evolution of language isn't only about adding new words but also about adapting existing ones to new phonetic patterns.
Use the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check activity to learn these words. When you 'say' each word, pronounce the t like in Old English to help you remember it's there.
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fasten |
I fasten my coat before going outside.
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hasten |
Jim turned up the oven heat to hasten the cooking.
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glisten |
Frost can glisten in the sunlight.
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listen |
I like to listen to the radio in the car.
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moisten |
I moisten a cloth and clean the window.
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apostle |
Mark was an apostle of Christ.
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thistle |
Thistle flowers are beautiful.
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whistle |
The referee blew his whistle at the end of the game.
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wrestle |
We saw the policeman wrestle the burglar to the ground.
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mortgage |
We'll need a bigger mortgage to buy a bigger house.
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Christmas |
Christmas is a busy time of year.
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Learn more about these words in Unit 22. Words with silent letters e.g. wrap, comb, sign, knight
Learn this spelling list using the 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check' activity.
How to use:
Look and read the word.
Say the word. Click the speaker icon.
Cover the word.
Write the word.
Check your spelling.
Spelling games using the word list: Silent t words
Springtime Spelling
Spring into spelling!
Easter Egg Hunt
Crack the eggs!
Word Search, small
The classic English word game.
Against the Clock
Spelling 'against the clock'.
Mayan Temple
Try the temple spelling puzzle.
Monkey Business
It's bananas!
Test yourself using the 'Listen and Spell' spelling test.
Print worksheets and activities: Silent t words
Handwriting worksheets: Silent t words
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
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