Gj
Soft G
G sometimes says “j” before E, I, or Y, like in 'gem' and 'giant'.
How this rule works
When G comes before E, I, or Y, it sometimes makes the soft “j” sound (like J). However, this rule has many exceptions ('get', 'give', 'girl').
Remember: G can be gentle like a giant!
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.
agencyagentagilearchaeologicalchargedchargingcourageouseffigyemergencyemergingenergeticenergyflibbertigibbetfragilegemgendergenegeneralgenerationgenerationsgenerousgenesisgeniusgentlegentlenessgentlygenuinegeographygermgermanygesturegiantgiganticgingergiraffegraphologicalgymhegemonheterogeneousideologicallyideologyimaginationimaginativeimagineindigenousindigenouslyinteragencylargelylargerlargestlegendlegitimacymagicmanagermetallurgicalmythologicaloriginaloriginallyoriginatingoxygenpagespedagogyphilologicalpsychologicalpsychologicallyrampagedregionregionalregisterregistersrogersstrategicstrategysupercalifragilisticexpialidocioussynergistictechnologicaltechnologicallytechnologiestechnologytransregionalvegetablevegetablesvegetal
Exceptions
Many exceptions: 'get', 'give', 'gift', 'girl', 'begin'. Soft G is less reliable than Soft C.
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.