ALaw
AL says “aw”
AL often says the “aw” sound, like in 'ball', 'walk', and 'talk'.
How this rule works
When A is followed by L, it frequently says “aw” (the 'aw' sound): ball, call, walk, talk, salt, false, also. (In other words the A and L are separate, like in 'pal'.)
Remember: AL says aw — ball, walk, talk!
Examples
Words that use this rule
46 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
allalmostalreadyalsoalternativealwaysballbaseballbasketballcallcalledcallercallingcallscosmologicalfallfalsefootballhallmeatballmeatballsmemorializesphilologicalrecallsaltsaltysidewalksmallsmallersmallestsnowballstalkstalksstalltalktalkedtalkingtalltallertallestvolleyballwalkwalkedwalkingwallswaterfall
Exceptions
Not in words like 'pal', 'salad', 'alley' where a and l are separate.
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.