sprain
verbTo hurt a joint by twisting or pulling it too hard.
nounAn injury to a joint caused by twisting or pulling it too hard.
Syllables
1 syllable
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: SPR Blend
SPR blends three consonants together: /s/, /p/, and /r/, like in 'spring', 'spray', and 'spread'.
SPR is a three-letter onset blend. All three sounds are heard: the /s/ hiss, the /p/ pop, and the /r/ glide — say them quickly together.
Tip
SPR springs — /spr/ like flowers in spring!
Examples
Phonics Rule: AI Vowel Team
When A and I are together, they say long A, like in 'rain' and 'train'.
The vowel team 'ai' makes the long A sound /eɪ/. It usually appears in the middle of a word. At the end of a word, the same sound is usually spelled 'ay'.
Tip
AI in the middle says long A — rain on the train!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter 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
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