Silent H

Mastering the 'silent H' is a subtle but important step to sounding more natural in English. It helps you pronounce words like 'hour' and 'honest' correctly, avoiding a stiff or overly formal sound.

How to make it

1. Identify if the word begins with 'h' and comes from French, or if 'h' follows another consonant.
2. For words like 'hour' or 'honest', skip the 'h' sound entirely.
3. For words like 'ghost' or 'rhyme', ignore the 'h' and pronounce the preceding consonant as if the 'h' wasn't there.

Watch out for

• Pronouncing the H in French-derived words: Don't say /h/ in words like 'honor' or 'heir'. The 'h' is completely silent, and the word starts with a vowel sound.
• Adding an extra sound before the H: In words where 'h' follows another consonant, like 'what' or 'rhythm', make sure you don't add an extra sound or pause before the 'h'. Just blend the preceding consonant directly into the next vowel.

Words to try

• honor
• hour
• ghost
• what
• rhyme
• choir
• school
• echo

💡 You're doing great! With practice, these silent 'h' patterns will become second nature.