Silent K words
In modern English, K is silent whenever it sits directly before N at the start of a word. The K was pronounced in Old and Middle English, but the cluster /kn/ was simplified around the 1600s, leaving the spelling behind. Listen for the word starting cleanly on the N sound, exactly as if the K were not there.
Accent
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The words
More lists like this
Silent B words
Climb, thumb, debt, doubt: words with a B you never say. Listen and copy the correct pronunciation.
Silent L words
Walk, calm, half, should: the L is written but not spoken. Practise these common silent-L words.
Silent T words
Castle, listen, often, ballet: words where the T stays silent. Hear each one spoken clearly.
Silent H words
Hour, honest, ghost, rhythm: an H on the page that never reaches your mouth. Practise all fifteen.
Silent W words
Write, wrong, sword, answer: the W is invisible in speech. Hear these silent-W words pronounced.
Silent P words
Psychology, pneumonia, receipt: the P stays quiet. Practise these Greek-derived silent-P words.
Keep practising
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