SnapPhonics

turn

TERN/ˈtɜːrn/verb
  1. verbTo move around a center point or axis.

  2. verbTo change the direction you are going or facing.

  3. nounYour chance to do something when other people take turns too.

  4. nounA change from one direction to a different direction.

  5. verbTo become a different thing or have a different quality.

  6. nounYour chance to make a move in a game.

Save to your word list — create a free account

Syllables

turn

1 syllable

Letters

Word forms:

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

n

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

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.