SnapPhonics

thief

THEEF/ˈθiːf/noun
  1. nounA person who takes something that belongs to someone else.

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Syllables

thief

1 syllable

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

th

Phonics Rule: TH Digraph (Unvoiced)

TH can make a soft sound /θ/, like in 'think' and 'bath'. Just air, no buzz!

The unvoiced TH /θ/ is the quiet, breathy version. Your throat doesn't vibrate. Stick your tongue between your teeth and blow air.

Tip

Unvoiced TH is quiet — think with three teeth!

Examples

ie

Phonics Rule: IE Vowel Team (Long E)

When IE appears in the middle of a word, it usually says long E, like in 'piece' and 'chief'.

The vowel team IE makes the long E sound /iː/ in the middle of a word. Examples: piece, chief, field, shield, brief. Remember: I before E except after C.

Tip

IE in the middle says EE — piece, chief, field!

Examples

f

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

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.

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