inks
PronouncedIHNGKS
nounColoured liquids used for writing, printing or drawing.
nounDifferent types, colours or containers of writing or printing liquid.
nounDark liquids that squid and octopus release into the water to hide from danger.
verbCovers something or smears it with writing or printing liquid.
verbSigns a contract or document by writing your name on it.
Syllables
1 syllable
Letters
Phonics breakdown
When the letter I appears in a closed syllable, it usually makes the short I sound “ih”. This is one of the trickiest short vowels because it sounds similar to short E.
Tip
I says “ih” like an itch you can't miss.
Examples
Phonics Rule: NK End Blend
Sound“ngk”·/ŋk/
NK at the end of a syllable makes the “ngk” sound, like in 'sink', 'bank', and 'drink'.
NK blends the nasal “ng” (like in 'sing') with /k/. The N in NK is not a regular /n/ — it shifts to “ng” because of the K that follows.
Tip
NK ends with a clunk — sink, bank, drink!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Plural -S (/s/ sound)
Sound“s”·/s/
After a quiet sound like p, t, k or f, the plural ending says /s/ — like 'cats' and 'cakes'.
Say 'ssss' and then 'zzzz' with a finger on your throat — only 'zzzz' buzzes. When the word already ends in a quiet (unvoiced) sound like p, t, k or f, the plural ending stays quiet too and says /s/. This happens whether the word is spelled -s (cats) or -es (cakes, notes), because in cakes the e is silent and only the s is sounded.
Examples
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