closely
adverbIn a way that is very near in space or time.
adverbIn a way that shows you are paying careful attention to something.
adverbIn a way that involves a tight connection and frequent communication or activity together.
adverbIn a way that is almost exactly the same or almost right.
Syllables
2 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: CL Blend
C and L blend together — you hear both sounds! Like in 'class' and 'clean'.
The blend CL combines /k/ and /l/ spoken quickly together.
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with O (Magic E)
In the o-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the O say its name — like in 'home' and 'bone'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the pattern o-consonant-e (like 'home'), the final E is silent but makes the O say its long sound /oʊ/.
Tip
Magic E makes O say its name!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter S
The letter S usually makes the /s/ sound, like in 'sun', 'sit', and 'sock'. Air hisses through a small gap.
S is a voiceless alveolar fricative when it makes the /s/ sound. At the end of many words it can also make a /z/ sound (as in 'dogs' or 'has'). At the start of a word it is always /s/.
Tip
S hisses like a snake — sssssun!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with O (Magic E)
In the o-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the O say its name — like in 'home' and 'bone'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the pattern o-consonant-e (like 'home'), the final E is silent but makes the O say its long sound /oʊ/.
Tip
Magic E makes O say its name!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Suffix -LY
Adding -LY to a word usually makes it describe HOW something is done, like 'slowly' and 'quickly'.
The suffix -ly usually turns an adjective into an adverb. 'Slow' → 'slowly' means 'in a slow way'.
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.