Silent Letters Word List: Essential Spelling Practice for Advanced Phonics

Welcome to our comprehensive collection of words containing silent letters. These challenging words form an important part of English language instruction, helping students understand the complex relationship between spelling and pronunciation in English. This carefully curated list focuses on common words with silent letters, providing educators with valuable resources for spelling instruction and practice.

Understanding Silent Letters in English

Silent letters present a unique challenge in English spelling instruction. These letters, while written, are not pronounced in the word's spoken form. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing strong spelling skills and reading comprehension. Our list includes common patterns such as silent 'b' (as in "lamb"), silent 'g' (as in "sign"), and other important silent letter combinations.

Common Core Standards Alignment

These silent letter words align with multiple Common Core Standards, particularly in the upper elementary and middle school grades. The complexity of these spelling patterns makes them especially relevant for advanced spelling instruction.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D: Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.2.E: Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed.

These standards emphasize the importance of mastering complex spelling patterns, including words with silent letters. The words in this list help students develop their understanding of English orthography beyond simple phonetic patterns, preparing them for more advanced reading and writing tasks.

Complete Word List

Silent B Words

bomb
lamb
limb
dumb
numb
crumb
thumb
plumb
plumber

Silent N Words

hymn
autumn
column
solemn
condemn

Silent T Words

debt

Silent L Words

calf
half

Silent T in -sten Words

listen
glisten
fasten
moisten

Silent H Words

hour
honor
honest
honesty
rhyme
ghastly
ghetto

Silent W Words

sword
answer
whole

Silent P Words

receipt

Silent U in GU- Words

guy
guard
guess
guest
guilt
guilty
guild
guitar
guide
guile
guise
disguise
guardian
guarantee

Silent U in -gue Words

league
vague
plague
rogue
vogue

Miscellaneous Silent Letters

aunt
built
build
building
biscuit
circuit
friend
friendly
carriage
marriage
heart
hearth
height
bargain
captain
fountain
mountain
curtain
certain

Using These Words in Your Classroom

These words provide excellent material for spelling practice, vocabulary development, and understanding English orthography. They can be used in various educational activities, from traditional spelling tests to more engaging word study exercises.

Create a worksheet using words from this list

Teaching Tips for Silent Letters

When teaching these words, consider: 1. Grouping words by similar silent letter patterns 2. Using memory devices to help students remember specific silent letters 3. Incorporating regular review and practice 4. Connecting spelling patterns to word origins and etymology

Remember that mastery of these words takes time and repeated exposure. Regular practice with these spelling patterns will help students develop confidence in their spelling abilities.