SnapPhonics

down

DOWN/ˈdaʊn/adverb
  1. adverbMoving from a higher place to a lower place.

  2. adverbMaking something smaller or less strong.

  3. adjectiveFeeling sad or unhappy.

  4. adjectiveNot working or switched off.

  5. adjectiveSick or ill.

  6. nounA county in Northern Ireland.

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Syllables

down

1 syllable

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

d

Phonics Rule: Letter D

The letter D makes the /d/ sound, like in 'dog', 'day', and 'dig'. The tongue tip touches behind the upper teeth.

D is a voiced alveolar stop. The tongue tip touches the ridge just behind the upper front teeth, then releases with voice. It reliably makes the /d/ sound in almost all positions.

Tip

D is for dog — and dog starts with /d/!

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

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

What is SnapPhonics?

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