Silent Letter Words: KN, WR, MB, GH and More
Silent letters preserve parts of English spelling history, so pronunciation and spelling must often be learned together.
Clear Explanation
• kn- is common in know, knee, and knife.
• wr- appears in write, wrong, and wrist.
• Final -mb appears in thumb and climb.
• gh varies widely across light, enough, and ghost.
• Group words by pattern, then verify each pronunciation.
Examples
I know the correct answer.
Please write your name.
The light is bright.
Quick Comparison
Common Mistake
Do not assume the same letter is silent in every word where it appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is k silent in know?
Yes. The word begins with the /n/ sound.
Does gh have one pronunciation?
No. It may be silent or pronounced differently depending on the word.