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Welcome to our guide on the silent ‘d’! Have you ever wondered why some words have a ‘d’ that you don’t pronounce? We’ll explore those quirky words and the rules behind this silent letter.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in…
introduction to silent letters in English
A silent letter is a letter from a word which is not pronounced when the word is spoken aloud. They still however appear in the written word. They can make spelling tricky but often provide clues about a word’s origin and meaning.
In this lesson. We’ll be specifically focusing on the silent ‘d’.
common words with silent d
Here’s a list of some common words where the ‘d’ is silent.
- adjective
- badge
- bridge
- edge
- fridge
- handkerchief
- handsome
- hedge
- sandwich
- wedge
- Wednesday
Did you realise any of these words had a silent ‘d’? Let’s look into some rules on how to spot the silent ‘d’ in words
silent d Rules
when it is followed by a ‘j’
When a “d” is followed by a “j” sound, it often blends into the “j,” making the “d” silent in pronunciation. This happens in words like “adjust” (heard as “uh-just”) or “adjoin” (heard as “uh-join”). The silent “d” creates a smoother transition between the two sounds, which is why it disappears in casual speech. For example:
- adjacent
- adjective
- adjoin
- adjoining
- adjourn
- adjudicate
- adjustable
- adjust
- Djibouti
when it precedes a ‘g’ at the end of a word
When the letter “d” precedes a “g” at the end of a word, the “d” is often silent, blending into the “g” sound. This is common in words like “edge”, and “ledge.” The silent “d” makes pronunciation smoother and more natural in English, which is why it’s dropped in everyday speech. For example:
- badge
- bridge
- edge
- fridge
- fudge
- grudge
- hedge
- judge
- knowledge
- ledge
- lodge
- smudge
- wedge
when it precedes a ‘g’ in the same syllable
The letter “d” is often silent when it comes before a “g” in the same syllable. In these cases, the “d” blends into the “g,” creating a single, smoother sound commonly used in English. For example:
- badger
- budgie
- didgeridoo
- fledgling
- grudgingly
- hedgerow
- judgemental
- ridgeback
- smidgen
- stodgiest
when it is preceded by an ‘n’
The letter “d” is often silent when it is preceded by an “n”. In these cases, the “n” and “d” sounds blend together, and the “d” becomes almost unnoticeable in casual pronunciation.
the ‘d’ is silent on Wednesday
In the word “Wednesday,” the letter “d” is silent, making the pronunciation “Wenz-day.” The silent “d” simplifies the word and reflects how it has evolved in spoken English over time, even though the spelling remains unchanged.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the “D” is usually silent in words like “adjust” or “adjoin,” there are exceptions. For example, in words like “adjacent” or “adjective,” the “D” can be pronounced. These exceptions often come from the word’s origins in Latin or Greek, where the “D” was originally sounded out. Additionally, context matters – some speakers may pronounce the “D” more clearly in formal speech, while in casual conversation, it might be dropped. Understanding these exceptions comes down to knowing the word’s history and how it’s commonly used in different situations.
Silent ‘D’ in British vs American English
While the silent “D” rule generally applies in both British and American English, pronunciation can vary slightly between the two. In some cases, British English tends to preserve the silent “D” more consistently, especially in words like “Wednesday” and “handkerchief.” In American English, the “D” might be more pronounced in casual speech, though this is not always the case.
Conclusion
Mastering the silent ‘D’ is essential for improving your fluency and sounding more natural in everyday conversations. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to use words with this silent letter confidently. Don’t forget to dive into other silent letter rules to continue improving your pronunciation skills.
If you found this helpful, share this page with others or leave a comment with any questions you have! Want to take your learning further? Try our quizzes or check out some other resources on pronunciation tips . Happy learning!