SnapPhonics

turf

TERF/ˈtɜːrf/noun
  1. nounA layer of earth covered with grass.

  2. nounA piece of grass and soil cut from the ground, used to make a lawn.

  3. nounThick artificial material made to look like grass.

  4. nounA place where horse races happen.

  5. verbTo cover an area of ground with grass.

  6. verbTo throw someone or something out.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

turf

1 syllable

Letters

Related words (same phonics pattern)

Phonics breakdown

t

Phonics Rule: Letter T

The letter T makes the /t/ sound, like in 'top', 'tap', and 'ten'. The tongue tip taps behind the upper teeth.

T is a voiceless alveolar stop. The tongue tip touches the ridge behind the upper teeth and releases with a puff of air. Double T (tt) makes the same /t/ sound.

Tip

T taps — touch your tongue to make /t/!

Examples

ur

Phonics Rule: R-Controlled UR

When R comes after U, it makes the /ɜːr/ sound, like in 'turn' and 'burn'.

UR makes the same /ɜːr/ sound as ER and IR. It's the least common of the three spellings.

Tip

The nurse with fur says /ɜːr/!

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.

Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.