SnapPhonics

give

GIHV/ˈɡɪv/verb
  1. verbTo let someone have something that belongs to you.

  2. verbTo hand something to someone.

  3. verbTo make something happen or cause someone to feel something.

  4. verbTo say or speak something aloud.

  5. verbTo bend or break when something pushes on it.

  6. verbTo lead somewhere or open onto something.

Save to your word list — create a free account
Sight WordIrregular

"give" does not follow standard phonics patterns and should be memorized.

Syllables

give

1 syllable

Letters

Word forms:

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

g

Phonics Rule: Hard G

G makes the /g/ sound before A, O, U, or a consonant, like in 'go' and 'game'.

The letter G makes the hard /g/ sound when followed by A, O, U, or a consonant. Examples: go, game, give, glad, grab.

Tip

G says /g/ before A, O, U — go, game, glad!

Examples

i

Phonics Rule: Short I

The letter I makes a short sound, like in 'sit' and 'big'.

When the letter I appears in a closed syllable, it usually makes the short I sound /ɪ/. This is one of the trickiest short vowels because it sounds similar to short E.

Tip

I says /ɪ/ like an itch you can't miss.

Examples

v

Phonics Rule: Letter 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

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 /ɛ/. This is often confused with short I by new readers.

Tip

E says /ɛ/ 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.