Letter names vs sounds — English pronunciation practice

How to say it

A letter’s name is not always its sound — “c, g, ch, s and y change their sound; use “an” before a letter NAME that starts with a vowel sound”

1. c says s before e, i, y (city, ice); otherwise k (cat, cup).
2. g often says j before e, i, y (giant, page); otherwise g (goat). Some words break the rule: gift, girl.
3. Short forms: say the first letter’s NAME. A vowel sound → an (an MBA, an FIR, an X-ray); a consonant sound → a (a UFO, a TV).

Use it for: Reading new words, spelling aloud, and writing “a” or “an” before short forms like MBA, MP, FIR, SMS and UKG.

Worked example: Say the letters by name. Which goes before “MBA”: “a” or “an”? → an

✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊) or read, then tap your choice. Say each word aloud after you check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

🏁 Lesson 15 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🔣 Letter Name Navigator badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 2 · Spelling and sound. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Letter Names and Sounds Worksheet

• Worksheet set 1 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 2 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 3 (PDF)