knife
nounA tool with a flat metal blade and a handle, used for cutting things.
verbTo cut something with a knife.
nounA short weapon with a sharp blade used for stabbing or slashing.
verbTo move through something as if cutting it with a knife.
nounA cutting blade that is part of a machine or tool.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Silent K in KN
In KN, the K is silent! You only say /n/, like in 'know' and 'knee'.
When K comes before N at the beginning of a word, the K is completely silent. You only pronounce the N. This comes from Old English when the K was actually pronounced.
Tip
K is silent when N is next — knock, knock, who's there? Just N!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with I (Magic E)
In the i-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the I say its name — like in 'bike' and 'time'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the pattern i-consonant-e (like 'bike'), the final E is silent but makes the I say its long sound /aɪ/.
Tip
Magic E makes I say its name!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter F
The letter F makes the /f/ sound, like in 'fish', 'fun', and 'fox'. The upper teeth touch the lower lip.
F is a voiceless labiodental fricative — the upper front teeth rest on the lower lip while air flows through to make the /f/ sound. It is very consistent.
Tip
F is for fish — and fish starts with /f/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with I (Magic E)
In the i-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the I say its name — like in 'bike' and 'time'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the pattern i-consonant-e (like 'bike'), the final E is silent but makes the I say its long sound /aɪ/.
Tip
Magic E makes I say its name!
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.