Xks
Letter X
The letter X usually makes the /ks/ sound, like in 'fox', 'box', and 'mix'.
How this rule works
X is unusual — it represents two sounds blended together: /k/ + /s/ = /ks/. At the start of a word it sometimes makes a /z/ sound (xylophone). At the end of words it reliably says /ks/.
Remember: X says /ks/ — like a fox in a box!
Examples
Words that use this rule
89 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
axeboxboxedboxesboxingcheckboxescomplexdioxidedixieexcavateexcavatedexcellenceexcellentexceptexceptionexceptionalexchangeexchangesexciteexcitedexcitementexcitingexclaimexclaimedexcuseexecuteexecutedexerciseexoatmosphericexpansiveexpectexpeditionexpeditionaryexpensiveexperienceexperiencesexperimentexperimentationexperimentingexplainexplainedexplodeexplorationexploreexploringexplosionexpositoryexpressexpressesexpressionexpressionsexpressiveextantextinctextinctionextraextractextractionextraordinaryextraterrestrialfixfixatedfixesfixingfoxgalaxiesgalaxyhexmaxmaximummixmixermixesnextoxygenparadoxicalrelaxrelaxationsixsixthsupercalifragilisticexpialidocioussyntaxtaxtaxitexttextbookunexpectedvortexwax
Exceptions
At the start of some words, X makes /z/: xylophone, xenon.
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.