Spelling list: ph words - set 2

The /f/ sound is usually spelt with an f, or, if after a short vowel sound, the letters ff .

However, have you ever noticed that some words, like phone and alphabet, are pronounced with an f sound but are spelt with the letter combination ph?

This unusual spelling can be traced back to origins in Ancient Greek, where the letter phi (Φ) represented the f sound. Over time, this Ancient Greek influence found its way into the English language, giving us the ph spelling pattern.

As you become a more confident speller, you will begin to notice that this spelling pattern often appears in words which share the same Ancient Greek root, for example: photograph, photocopy, and photosynthesis all contain the root photo which is spelt using the letters ph.

alphabet
There are 26 letters in the alphabet.
apostrophe
You can use an apostrophe to show that something belongs to someone. *
hyphen
A hyphen can be used to join two words: good-looking.
phrase
A phrase is a small group of words.
pamphlet
The shop gave out a small pamphlet about its price cuts.
physician
The physician prescribed medicine.
pharmacy
Please get me some pills from the pharmacy.
physical
Physical exercise is good for your health.
elephant
Young elephants are called calves.
dolphin
The dolphin swam in the sea.
phantom
She was convinced a phantom spirit haunted the house.
nephew
My young nephew is called Luke.
prophet
The prophet said a holy man would come.
orphan
A child who has lost both parents is an orphan.
triumph
The winning team held up the cup in triumph.
catastrophe
A tsunami is a catastrophe.
emphasis
The speaker put much emphasis on his main point.
phobia
Many people have a phobia or fear of spiders.
trophy
The trophy is a constant reminder of his success.
typhoon
Two ships were sunk in the typhoon.