SnapPhonics

answered

AN-serd/ˈæn.sərd/verb
  1. verbGave a reply or response to something someone said or asked.

  2. verbPicked up a phone or opened a door when someone called or knocked.

  3. verbWorked well enough to do what was needed.

  4. verbMatched or suited something in the way wanted.

  5. verbDid what was asked or demanded.

  6. verbDealt with or solved a problem or complaint by giving reasons or proof.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

answered

2 syllables

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

a

Phonics Rule: Short A

The letter A makes a short sound, like in 'cat' and 'bat'.

When the letter A appears in a closed syllable (a syllable that ends with a consonant), it usually makes the short A sound /æ/. This is one of the first vowel sounds students learn.

Tip

A says /æ/ like a cat that sat on a mat.

Examples

n

Phonics Rule: Letter N

The letter N makes the /n/ sound, like in 'net', 'nap', and 'nut'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.

N is a voiced alveolar nasal — the tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth while voice hums through the nose. It is one of the most common consonants in English.

Tip

N hums through the nose — say /n/ and feel the buzz!

Examples

sw

Phonics Rule: SW Blend

SW blends /s/ and /w/ together, like in 'swim', 'sweet', and 'swing'.

SW appears only at the beginning of words or syllables. Both sounds are clearly heard — the /s/ hiss followed immediately by the /w/ glide.

Tip

SW swoops — /sw/ swim, sweet, swing!

Examples

er

Phonics Rule: R-Controlled ER

When R comes after E, it makes the /ɜːr/ sound, like in 'her' and 'fern'.

ER makes the same sound as IR and UR — they all say /ɜːr/. ER is the most common spelling of this sound, especially at the end of words.

Tip

ER, IR, and UR all sound the same — Bossy R wins again!

Examples

ed

Phonics Rule: Suffix -ED (/d/ sound)

After voiced sounds like /b/, /g/, /n/, -ED says /d/, like in 'played' and 'named'.

After voiced consonants and vowels, -ed says /d/. The E is silent.

Tip

After a buzzy sound, -ED says /d/!

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.