English spelling can feel like a cruel joke. We write "knight" but say /naɪt/. We write "psychology" but say /saɪˈkɑːlədʒi/. Why are all these letters even there if we don't pronounce them?
The answer lies in history: English spelling often reflects how words were pronounced centuries ago, or it preserves the spelling from languages we borrowed words from. Understanding the patterns behind silent letters can help you predict pronunciation and avoid embarrassing mistakes.
Silent K: Before N
When K appears before N at the beginning of a word, the K is always silent. These words often come from Old English or Germanic origins, where the K was once pronounced.
Silent W: Before R
When W appears before R at the beginning of a word, the W is silent. Like the silent K, this W was once pronounced in Old English.
Silent B: After M or Before T
The letter B is often silent when it comes after M at the end of a word, or before T.
Silent B after M
Silent B before T
Silent G: Before N
When G appears before N, the G is usually silent, especially at the beginning or end of words.
Silent P: Before S, N, or T (Greek Origins)
Words borrowed from Greek often have a silent P at the beginning. These are usually academic or scientific terms.
Silent H: Various Positions
The letter H is silent in several common words, particularly after certain letters or in words of French origin.
Silent L: Before Certain Consonants
The letter L is sometimes silent before consonants like K, M, and F.
Quick Reference Chart
| Silent Letter | Position | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| K | Before N | knife, knight, know |
| W | Before R | write, wrong, wrist |
| B | After M / Before T | climb, comb, debt |
| G | Before N | gnaw, sign, foreign |
| P | Before S, N, T (Greek) | psychology, pneumonia |
| H | Various (French origin) | hour, honest, ghost |
| L | Before K, M, F | walk, calm, half |
Tips for Learning Silent Letters
- Group words by pattern: Instead of memorizing individual words, learn the rules (KN-, WR-, -MB, etc.)
- Use a dictionary with audio: Always check pronunciation when you encounter a new word
- Watch for word origins: Greek words often have silent P, French words often have silent H
- Practice reading aloud: The more you encounter these words, the more natural they become
Want to practice more pronunciation patterns? Try our guide on commonly mispronounced English words.