Improve English Pronunciation: Silent C

Introduction

Have you ever noticed that some letters in English words seem to disappear when we say them?

• Science is my favorite subject.

• The scent of flowers filled the room.

• The knight held his scepter with pride.

What do all of these sentences have in common? They contain a silent letter. Judging from the title, you already know which letter is silent. But do you know why? There is a pattern. Look at these sentences and see if you recognize it.

• She studied science at university.

• He lost his scissors at school.

• The scene in the movie was breathtaking.

• There was no doubt about the scenario.

• The king held the golden scepter.

Rules

C is silent when it comes after S before I (SCI-)

• Science

• Scissors

• Scion

• Sciatic

• Scientist

C is silent when it comes after S before E (SCE-)

• Scene

• Scent

• Scenario

• Scepter

• Scenery

Now you know when to keep the C silent! With these patterns in mind, you'll never doubt how to pronounce these tricky words again. 😊

Silent C

0:00