insect
PronouncedIHN-sehkt
A small animal with six legs and usually wings. Bugs and ants are insects.
“Our shed has several insect infestions, including ants, yellowjackets, and wasps.”
Syllables
2 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Short I
Sound“ih”·/ɪ/
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 “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: Letter N
Sound“n”·/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
Phonics Rule: Letter S
Sound“s”·/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: 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
Phonics Rule: CT End Blend
Sound“kt”·/kt/
CT at the end of a syllable blends /k/ and /t/ together, like in 'act' and 'fact'.
CT is an end blend — both sounds are heard. The back of the tongue makes /k/, then the tip taps /t/.
Tip
CT blends at the end — act, fact, insect!
Examples
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