English language: learning the basic rules of reading

The most challenging aspect for a beginner to master an English language course is learning how to read properly. English has numerous rules and exceptions that are not easy to memorize. To simplify the task, familiarize yourself with the reading rules in English, which can be learned independently or used as a supplement to the course.

Contents

1. Rules that will help you learn how to read vowels
2. How is "i" read before "e"?
3. Silent letters in English
4. Rules for reading prefixes and suffixes in English
    4.1. How does a word change when a prefix is ​​added to it?
    4.2. How do words change if a suffix is ​​added to them?

Rules that will help you learn how to read vowels

You should first and foremost commence studies in an English course by mastering the 4 types of reading vowels. For clarity, we present you with a table followed by examples:

1. Words that end with an open syllable. In such words, one and the same vowel will be pronounced consistently. For example, the vowel “a” in words with an open syllable is always pronounced as |eɪ| – game, made, pace.
2. Words with a closed syllable, that is, ones ending in a consonant letter. The letter "u" in such words is mostly read as |ʌ| – bus, but, nuts, up.
3. Words that end with the letter "r" with the addition of any other consonant. If such a word contains the letter "e", it will almost always be read as a long |ɜː| – stern, her, herb.
4. Words with the letter "r" and a vowel after it. If we take the letter "i", then in words of the fourth type of reading it will always be read as |aɪə| – mire, tire.

How is "i" read before "e"?

Most often, in words where the letters "i" and "e" go together, the long sound "ee" (|iː|) is pronounced. Here come a few examples:

• believe
• chief
• field
• pierce 
• relieve

However, if there is a letter "c" in the word, then "ei" is written after it, although when reading, keep to the previous rule – pronounce the long "ee" sound:

• conceited
• deceive
• receive

In some cases, the combination "ei" is read either as "a" or as "i":

• "а" – neither, eight, weight
• "i" – height, either, sleight

There are many exceptions to the rules. To successfully complete the course, you just need to remember them:

• ceiling
• conscience
• efficient
• perceive
• receive
• seize
• weird

Silent letters in English

Another obstacle is letters that are not pronounced whatsoever. For example, when reading from the word "bread", you should throw out the letter "a". Though it remains in writing, otherwise the word with a completely different meaning will come out "bred". These two words sound the same.

Almost half of the letters from the English alphabet can act as a silent letter. Learning is complicated by the fact that silent letters can be located in any part of the word.

Silent letter В

It is not pronounced in the position after "m":

• dumb
• limb

In basic English language learning on any course, it is crucial to remember this point: “b” is also not pronounced at the end of a word before “t”:

• debt
• doubt
• subtle

Silent letter Е

It is rarely pronounced if it is put at the end. If the letter is not pronounced, then the preceding letter stands out as a more extended sound:

• drive
• hope

To accurately pronounce a sound, ask your course instructor. When learning English, it is of utmost importance to hear and repeat because transcription can sometimes lead to false perception.

Silent letter G

It is very often not pronounced when there is an "n" in front of it. Here come some examples to study:

• champagne
• foreign
• sign

Silent combination Gh

When learning the English language, this is considered to be one of the most challenging letter combinations. It is not pronounced if it comes after a vowel, for example, in the word “daughter”.

Nevertheless, in words consisting of two different roots, the letters are pronounced. Both roots are read as separate words:

• doghouse
• foghorn

The combination "gh" is often pronounced as "f":

• cough
• trough

Silent letter H

The letter is not pronounced if it is placed after "w". Question words will be introduced as an example:

• what
• when
• why

Also, the letter "h" is not pronounced at the beginning of some words. Remember to add the article "an" to similar words:

• an heir
• an hour

Silent letter К

This letter is not pronounced at all if it is placed before the letter "n". Examples to study:

• knee
• knife
• knowledge

Silent letter L

For example, in the word "calm" the letter "l" is not pronounced, because it is put after the vowel "a". What is more, "l" is not read after the vowels "o" and "u":

• could
• yolk

Silent letter Р

When learning a foreign language on courses, you will easily notice that "p" is omitted when words begin with the particles "pneu" and "psych":

• pneumatic 
• psychiatrist
• psychotic

Silent letter Т

There is no specific rule in nature that would explain why the letter "t" cannot be pronounced. While mastering English, such a feature will be encountered regularly. Here are a few examples to study:

• bustle
• hasten
• soften

Silent letter U

You should not pronounce this sound aloud if it comes after the letter "g" before the vowels "e", "i":

• guidance
• guilty
• guitar

Silent letter W

It is not pronounced when preceded by an "r". A similar combination of letters is quite common in the English language:

• wrap
• wrangle
• wrong

Write down additional exceptions to learn all the nuances of the language:

• who
• whole
• whose

Rules for reading prefixes and suffixes in English

Many students during English language courses get confused when a prefix or suffix is ​​added to a familiar word.

How does a word change when a prefix is ​​added to it?

The prefix does not usually change the structure of the main word, so there should be no difficulties during pronunciation. Here are a few examples to study:

• dis + ability = disability
• im + possible = impossible
• in + formal = informal
• mis + fortune = misfortune
• under + used = underused

How do words change if a suffix is ​​added to them?

Most often, the addition of an extra suffix in monosyllabic words brings about partial changes to its base. However, these changes occur according to different rules, which are covered in language courses:

1. If the word ends in a consonant and the suffix also begins with a consonant, there is no change: treat + ment = treatment.
2. If a word ends with one consonant letter, when adding a suffix that begins with a vowel letter, the consonant is doubled. For instance: big + est = biggest.

We double the consonant "l" when it comes after a vowel: travel + er = traveler.

There are also some words that do not create doubling. These are cases where "r", "x", "w", "y" is at the end: box + er = boxer.

Please note that knowledge of the described rules and exceptions is only a basis for reading and a deep knowledge of the English language. It will take a lot of time to learn all the intricacies of pronouncing words in courses, so it is important to repeat them at home.