OWoh
OW (Long O Sound)
OW sometimes says long O, like in 'snow' and 'show'.
How this rule works
The spelling 'ow' can make the long O sound “oh”, especially at the end of a word. It can also make the “ow” diphthong sound (like 'cow').
Remember: Snow falls slow — OW says long O!
Examples
Words that use this rule
83 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
belowblowborrowbowlbowlerburrowburrowedcrowelbowfellowflowflowingfollowfollowedfollowingglowglowedglowingglowsgrowgrowedgrowergrowinggrowngrowsgrowthhollowknowknowledgeknownknowslowlowerlowestmeadowmellownarrowowoweownownedownerownerspillowrainbowrowshadowshadowsshadowyshallowshowshowcaseshowcasedshowedshowingshownshowsslowslowestslowlyslownessslowpokesnowsnowballsnowboardsnowboardingsnowflakesorrowsorrowfulsparrowswallowthrowthrowingtomorrowtowardtowardsunknownwidowwillowwindowwindowpanewindowsyellow
Exceptions
OW also says /aʊ/ in words like 'cow', 'how', 'now'.
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.