CHch
CH Digraph
C and H together make a new sound: “ch”, like in 'chop' and 'much'.
How this rule works
When C and H are together, they don't say /k/ + /h/. They make a completely new sound: “ch”. This is called a digraph — two letters making one sound.
Remember: CH — choo choo goes the train!
Examples
Words that use this rule
139 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
achievedapproachingarcharcherarmchairattachattachedattachmentbeachchainchairchalkchallengechallengedchallengingchancechangchangechangedchangeschangingchannelchannelschapterchargechargedchargeschargingcharmcharmingchartchasechasedchasingchatchattedchattingcheapcheapercheaplycheatcheatedcheatingcheckcheckboxescheckedcheckingchecklistcheckscheekcheercheeredcheerfulcheerfulnesscheeringcheesecheshirechesschestchewchewingchickchickenchiefchieftainchildchildhoodchildrenchillchilledchimneyschinchinachina'schinaschinesechipchirpchocolatechoicechokechoosechopchoppedchopperchoppingchopschorechosechowchubbychugchunkchurncoachcoachedcouchcrouchdischargeduchesseachexchangeexchangeslurchmarchmuchpeachperchedpoachporchpouchpreachpreachingreachreachedresearchrichrichesrichestrichlyrichnesssandwichsandwichesscorchsearchslouchspeechspeechesspeechlesssuchteachteacherteachesteachingtorchtouchuncheckeduntouchedwhich
Exceptions
CH can also say /k/ in Greek-origin words ('school', 'Christmas') and /ʃ/ in French-origin words ('chef', 'machine').
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.