use
verbTo do something with a tool or thing to make it work.
nounA reason or purpose for doing something.
nounThe act of using something.
verbTo spend or finish something by using it.
nounA job or function that something does.
verbTo be used to something means to do it so often that it feels normal.
Syllables
1 syllable
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Silent E with U — /juː/ (Magic E)
In the u-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the U say its name with a /j/ glide — like 'cute' and 'use'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the u-consonant-e pattern, the silent E makes U say /juː/ by default. After L, R, S, or J, see the companion rule silent_e_u_e_oo for the /uː/ pronunciation.
Tip
Magic E makes U say YOO!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Letter S
The letter S usually makes the /s/ sound, like in 'sun', 'sit', and 'sock'. Air hisses through a small gap.
S is a voiceless alveolar fricative when it makes the /s/ sound. At the end of many words it can also make a /z/ sound (as in 'dogs' or 'has'). At the start of a word it is always /s/.
Tip
S hisses like a snake — sssssun!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Silent E with U — /juː/ (Magic E)
In the u-consonant-e pattern, the E at the end is silent and makes the U say its name with a /j/ glide — like 'cute' and 'use'. Teachers often call this the Magic E.
In the u-consonant-e pattern, the silent E makes U say /juː/ by default. After L, R, S, or J, see the companion rule silent_e_u_e_oo for the /uː/ pronunciation.
Tip
Magic E makes U say YOO!
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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