SnapPhonics

runs

PronouncedRUHNZ

/ˈrʌnz/noun
  1. verbMoves forward quickly by alternately jumping off each foot.

  2. verbMoves quickly from one place to another.

  3. verbCompetes against others in a race to see who is fastest.

  4. verbTakes someone or something quickly from one place to another.

  5. verbTravels along a particular route regularly.

  6. verbIs in charge of something and makes decisions about it.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

runs

1 syllable

Letters

Base word

run

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

r

Phonics Rule: Letter R

Sound“r”·/r/

The letter R makes the /r/ sound, like in 'run', 'red', and 'rope'. The tongue curls back slightly.

R is a voiced approximant. The tongue curls back or bunches up without touching the roof of the mouth. When R follows a vowel it changes that vowel's sound (r-controlled vowels).

Tip

R is for run — /r/ with a curl of the tongue!

Examples

u

Phonics Rule: Short U

Sound“uh”·/ʌ/

The letter U makes a short sound, like in 'cup' and 'bus'.

When the letter U appears in a closed syllable, it usually makes the short U sound “uh”. This sounds like 'uh'.

Tip

U says “uh” like 'uh-oh, what's up?'

Examples

n

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

s

Phonics Rule: Plural -S (/z/ sound)

Sound“z”·/z/

After a buzzing sound or a vowel, the plural ending says /z/ — like 'dogs' and 'shoes'.

Put a finger on your throat and say 'zzzz' — you feel a buzz. When the word ends in a buzzing (voiced) sound or a vowel, the plural ending buzzes too and says /z/. This happens whether the word is spelled -s (dogs) or -es (shoes, trees), because in shoes the e is silent and only the s is sounded. Most people never notice they are doing this.

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.