Soft SC says /s/
Before E, I, or Y, the SC says just /s/ — the C is soft, like in 'scene' and 'science'.
How this rule works
When SC comes before E, I, or Y, the C goes soft and SC says /s/ (scene, science, scent, scissors, descend). Before other letters SC says /sk/ (scan, score, school). A few words like 'muscle' also have a silent C in SC.
Remember: SC before E, I, Y is soft — you hear /s/ in the science scene!
Examples
Words that use this rule
18 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
Exceptions
SC says /sk/ before A, O, U, R, or H (scan, score, scarf, screen, school).
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.
