Spelling list: Short a words

The short /a/ sound is pronounced like the a in cat or hat. This sound can be found in many common words, making it a key building block for reading and spelling. Recognising and practising short a words helps improve your vocabulary and enhances your understanding of how words are formed.

Some examples of short a words include bat, man, pan, and sad. Each of these words features the short /a/ sound at its core. When you say these words, pay attention to how your mouth moves. Notice how your mouth opens slightly, creating that distinctive short /a/ sound. You can practise saying these words out loud, focusing on enunciating the a clearly.

Learning short a words is important because they appear frequently in both spoken and written English. By becoming familiar with this sound, you’ll be more confident as a reader and writer.

absent	William was absent during class today.
active	He was active in the field of science.
actor	The actor got his cue to go on stage.
album	The band released their latest album to much praise.
animal	I heard the roar of a wild animal.
atlas	When I drive I occasionally use an atlas.
bandit	He was the most infamous bandit in the county.
camel	We rode to the pyramids by camel.
dagger	The pirate pulled a dagger from his belt.
factory	A consignment of goods was sent from the factory.
hammer	The sculptor worked with a hammer and a chisel.
ladder	A broken ladder caused the accident.
magnify	If the print is to small you can magnify it.
panic	There was panic when the ship started to sink.
rabbit	Would your rabbit like a carrot?
saddle	There was a saddle on the horse. *
January	It is colder in January than June. *