SnapPhonics

allow

uh-LOW/ə.ˈlaʊ/verb
  1. verbTo say that someone can do something.

  2. verbTo make something possible or able to happen.

  3. verbTo agree that something is true.

  4. verbTo think about something when you are making a plan.

  5. verbTo give someone a fair share of something.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

allow

2 syllables

Letters

Word forms:

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

a

Phonics Rule: Schwa

In unstressed syllables, vowels often make a lazy 'uh' sound called schwa, like the A in 'about'.

Schwa /ə/ is the most common vowel sound in English. Any vowel letter can make the schwa sound when it's in an unstressed syllable. It sounds like a quick, lazy 'uh'.

Tip

Schwa is lazy — any vowel can say 'uh' when it's not stressed!

Examples

ll

Phonics Rule: Double Consonant

Two of the same consonant together make just one sound, like the LL in 'ball' or TT in 'butter'.

When two identical consonants appear together, they make just one consonant sound, and the doubling signals a short vowel before it. A common case is the FLOSS rule: a one-syllable word with a short vowel doubles a final f, l, s, or z (off, ball, miss, buzz). Examples: ball, butter, happy, mitten, egg, off.

Tip

Double consonants make one sound — ball, butter, egg!

Examples

ow

Phonics Rule: OW Diphthong

OW sometimes makes the /aʊ/ sound, like in 'cow' and 'how'.

OW can make the /aʊ/ diphthong sound (like 'cow') or the long O sound /oʊ/ (like 'snow'). The /aʊ/ sound is more common before N, L, and D.

Tip

OW — ow! The cow says ow!

Examples

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.