• IELTS

Words and Pronunciation: Silent letters in IELTS Exam

5005 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Jul 01,2023 05:51 PM IST

The 'silent' letters in English are a result of the invasion by French and Latin and standardization of sounds, making them difficult to pronounce on the IELTS test. The best way to prepare for the IELTS exam is to listen to the pronunciation of each word carefully and memorize and master these silent letters. Examples include the silent K, which is pronounced with a long 'I' vowel sound, and the silent P, which is pronounced with a short vowel sound.

Words and Pronunciation Silent letters in IELTS Exam.webp

In English language one rarely sounds out all the letters that are seen in a word. There are certain words in the English language, written in a way which seems different from their sound. The ‘silent’ letters are a result of various developments that the English language has gone through. The invasion by French and Latin language and standardization of sounds in the English Language has refined and softened English. It leads to silent letters in particular words. The ‘silent word’ is a baffling mystery for the IELTS test takers which thwarts them from achieving great scores.

Let us take a look at some common words with silent letters, and how to pronounce them:

The silent K

The letter K is a hard sounding letter. When the letter ‘K’ precedes the letter ‘N’ at the start of the word, it becomes silent. For example

• Knife — is pronounced with a long ‘I’ vowel sound, as in “life.”

• Knit — is pronounced with a short vowel sound, as in “lit.”

• ‘Know’ = noh. ‘Now’ = naow.

Knock, knack, knapsack, knickers, knuckle are some of the words in which you can witness the silent K at the beginning and hard K sound at the end of the word.

The silent P

This is one of the most exciting letters. Usually, the letter P makes a popping sound at the front of our mouth. It is traditionally silenced when it precedes the letter ‘S’. For example:

1. Psychology: pronounced as ‘Sychology’

2. Psychiatry: pronounced as ‘Sychiatry’ or so.

3. The letter P in words Pneumonia and receipt, is also silent.

The silent "T"

Sound of the letter ‘T’ is one of the most recognisable and robust sounds in the English language, but when it is used in the middle of L-I-S-T-E-N, it disappears. The T letter becomes slightly shorter than the letter ‘S’. Listen becomes lissen, whistle become Whissle.

There are a few more words where T is silent: Hustle, Jostle, Apostle, Bristle, and wrestle.

“Ough” Words:

Let us look at the words:

1. Though: The OUGH in though is pronounced like an ‘oh’ sound, just like you are saying THROW.

2. Through: The OUGH in through is pronounced with an -ew sound, just like you say ‘threw.’

The best way to get through these words is repetition. It is critical to memorize and master these silent letters. The best way to prepare for the IELTS exam is to listen to the pronunciation of each word very carefully. You will be able to identify which letter will remain silent, and which letter is prominent.

Canamprep experts offer best IELTS Exam Training. Experts follow a student-centric approach to help students achieve outstanding scores with the help of professionally developed material and strategic training at state of the art classrooms. Get registered with Canamprep, the top IELTS institute and improve your capabilities.

FAQ

What are silent letters in English?

Silent letters are letters that are written in words but are not pronounced when the words are spoken. Examples of silent letters include the "k" in "knee" and the "h" in "hour."

Why are silent letters important to know for the IELTS exam?

Silent letters are important to know for the IELTS exam because they can affect the pronunciation of words, which can impact your overall language proficiency score on the exam. Knowing how to pronounce words with silent letters correctly can also help you to communicate more effectively in English.

How can I learn to pronounce words with silent letters correctly for the IELTS exam?

To learn to pronounce words with silent letters correctly for the IELTS exam, you can practice listening to and repeating words with silent letters, use pronunciation resources such as dictionaries and pronunciation guides, and work with a language tutor or teacher who can provide feedback and guidance on your pronunciation.

Are there any common silent letters that I should know for the IELTS exam?

Yes, there are several common silent letters in English that you should know for the IELTS exam, including the "k" in words such as "knee," "knock," and "know," the "b" in words such as "doubt," the "h" in words such as "hour" and "honor," and the "g" in words such as "sign" and "foreign."

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

St. Charles Community College

Missouri, USA • 25 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 8000-8500 / year

University of Mount Saint Vincent

New York, USA • 30 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 42500-43000 / year

Westminster College

Pennsylvania, USA • 33 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 34000-35000 / year

Sprott Shaw College - Chilliwack College Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 18 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 10000-38000 / year

Navitas Group - International College Wales Swansea (ICWS) at Swansea University

Wales, UK • 212 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 10000-19000 / year

La Trobe University - Albury-Wodonga Campus

Victoria, Australia • 15 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 34000-41500 / year

Ravensbourne University London

England, UK • 45 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 16500-17000 / year

University of Kent - Medway Campus

England, UK • 10 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 17000-21500 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Study In Australia and New Zealand : Diplomas, Degrees, Pathways and Scholarships

Study in Australia, New Zealand • Webinar

11:00AM

Virtual Event

University Visit - Park University

Study in USA • University Visit

Ahmedabad • 12:00PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

Study in USA • University Visit

Ahmedabad • 04:00PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online

- Live Classes

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

How Much Do Nurses Make in the U.S.?

Do you also think, “How much is the salary of a nurse in the USA?”. If yes, then you are not alone. Being one of the noblest professions in the wo...

Updated on • Jun 23,2025 03:59 PM IST • USA

Study MBBS in the USA

There are innumerable professions, but a career in MBBS is respected and admired more than any other line of work. Many of us harbour a drea...

Updated on • Jun 21,2025 02:00 PM IST • USA

MBA in UK: Universities, Eligibility, Types, and Career Opportunities

Master of Business Administration from UK is a prestigious academic degree, especially when gained from the UK. Business schools in the UK are well kn...

Updated on • Jun 19,2025 04:09 PM IST • UK • study in the UK

Highest Paying Jobs in the World

With super-advanced technologies like AI entering every field, the assumptions are high that the job roles that exist today won't exist after some yea...

Updated on • Jun 10,2025 01:08 PM IST • Study Abroad

Scholarships in France for Indian Students

Are you planning to study in France but are scared of the expensive tuition fees? But now there is no need to fear because you can take advantage of F...

Updated on • May 29,2025 05:22 PM IST • France

Intakes in Dubai for Indian Students

World-class universities, a multicultural environment and tax-free earnings are some of the benefits that attract Indian students to Dubai. However, i...

Updated on • May 27,2025 03:34 PM IST • Study in Dubai

France Student Visa 2025 – Requirements, Fees, Checklist & Application Process

Imagine this: Today is the day you will sit for your dream job interview. You practised all possible questions, wore formal attire, and collected all ...

Updated on • May 23,2025 03:36 PM IST • France

MBA in France for Indian Students in 2025

MBA is one of the most sought-after master’s programs worldwide. France is increasingly becoming popular as an overseas education destination. The r...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:35 PM IST • France

PTE Accepted Universities in Australia

In recent years, PTE has emerged as one of the alternatives to IELTS to study abroad. Many top study-abroad destinations like USA, UK and New Zealand ...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:31 PM IST • PTE

PTE Accepting Universities In USA

PTE stands among the most popular English language proficiency exams accepted by various institutions worldwide. Students applying to study in the USA...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:24 PM IST • USA

MBBS in UK: Colleges, Fees, Eligibility and Scholarships

Starting a medical journey is a great choice, and pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in the United Kingdom adds an extra la...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:13 PM IST • UK

MBBS in Australia: Top Universities, Syllabus, Cost of Study, Eligibility, Scholarships & Jobs

Medical studies have taken the world by storm with its increasing popularity. The majority of international students prefer to study this course in Au...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:53 PM IST • Australia

MBBS in Germany

Studying an MBBS in Germany offers a pathway to a world-class education in medicine, attracting thousands of aspiring doctors from around the globe ev...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:36 PM IST • Study in Germany

Best Medical Colleges in USA

You looking for medical colleges in the USA is clear evidence that it is the best country to pursue medical courses. One of the most sought-after medi...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:20 PM IST • USA

Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand for International Students

Many students aspire to live and work in a country like New Zealand. And why not? Alongside its stunning scenery and vibrant culture, New Zealand is a...

Updated on • May 22,2025 01:03 PM IST • New Zealand

High Paying Jobs in Germany

Germany, a powerhouse of innovation and industry, offers a fantastic job market with excellent salaries and a strong work-life balance. Whether you're...

Updated on • May 22,2025 11:11 AM IST • Study in Canada

Fastest Growing Job Sectors in Germany in 2025

Thousands of job opportunities in Germany are waiting for Indians. Fill them before someone else grabs these. But how? Do you know which sector these ...

Updated on • May 20,2025 05:25 PM IST • Germany

Job Opportunities in Canada for Indians: Salaries, Best Job Sites & More

Canada has always been a highly sought-after destination for international students, thanks to its exceptional education, abundant job prospects, and ...

Updated on • May 20,2025 05:21 PM IST • Study in Canada

How to Get a Job in USA in 2025

USA is not just a great destination for studying abroad, but also for pursuing a full-time job. That’s why the internet is filled with queries like ...

Updated on • May 20,2025 05:20 PM IST • USA

Reasons to study Engineering Masters in Germany

When you think about Germany, the thing that instantly comes to mind is its safe roads, modern technology, the best cars in the world, and t...

Updated on • May 17,2025 01:22 PM IST • Study in Germany

Words and Pronunciation: Silent letters in IELTS Exam

Table of Contents

The silent K

The silent P

The silent "T"

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online