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Tsilent

Silent T

Sometimes the T is silent — you don't say it, like in 'listen', 'castle', and 'often'.

How this rule works

In some words the T is silent. You see it, but you don't say it. This happens most in words ending -stle and -sten (castle, whistle, listen, fasten) and in 'often' and 'Christmas'.

Remember: Shh — the T is silent when you listen in the castle!

Examples

listencastleoftenwhistle

Words that use this rule

26 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.

apostlebristlebustlecastlefastenglistengristlehastenhustlejostlelistenlistenedlisteninglistensmistletoemoistennestleoftenrustlerustledsoftenthistletrestlewhistlewrestlewrestled

Exceptions

T is NOT silent in most words (star, best, stop, soft) — only in this small set where you can't hear it.

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