SnapPhonics

curve

PronouncedKERV

/ˈkɜːrv/noun
  1. nounA bend or turn in something, like a road or path.

  2. nounA line that bends smoothly without any sharp corners.

  3. verbTo bend or turn gradually from where you are going.

  4. verbTo bend something into a rounded shape.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

curve

1 syllable

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

c

Phonics Rule: Hard C

Sound“k”·/k/

C makes the /k/ sound before A, O, U, or a consonant, like in 'cat' and 'cup'.

The letter C makes the hard /k/ sound when followed by A, O, U, or a consonant. This is the default C sound. Examples: cat, cup, coat, cold, crab, class.

Tip

C says K before A, O, U — cat, cup, coat!

Examples

ur

Phonics Rule: R-Controlled UR

Sound“er”·/ɜːr/

When R comes after U, it makes the “er” sound, like in 'turn' and 'burn'.

UR makes the same “er” sound as ER and IR. It's the least common of the three spellings.

Tip

The nurse with fur says “er”!

Examples

v

Phonics Rule: Letter V

Sound“v”·/v/

The letter V makes the /v/ sound, like in 'van', 'vet', and 'vine'. Upper teeth touch the lower lip with voice.

V is a voiced labiodental fricative — the upper front teeth rest on the lower lip while air and voice flow through. It is the voiced partner of F. English words rarely end in V; they usually add an E (have, live, give).

Tip

V is for van — /v/ vibrates your lips!

Examples

e

Phonics Rule: Short E

Sound“eh”·/ɛ/

The letter E makes a short sound, like in 'bed' and 'red'.

When the letter E appears in a closed syllable, it usually makes the short E sound “eh”. This is often confused with short I by new readers.

Tip

E says “eh” like an egg on your head.

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.