What are silent e words?
Silent e words are words that end with the letter e, where the e is not spoken. The silent e helps the vowel in the word say its long sound.
Examples:
- cap → cape
- kit → kite
- hop → hope
Note
The silent e is quiet, but it has an important job in the word.
How does the silent e change a word?
The silent e changes the vowel sound from short to long.
Examples:
- short vowel: mad
- long vowel with silent e: made
- short vowel: fin
- long vowel with silent e: fine
Note
If the vowel says its name, look for a silent e at the end of the word.
Common silent e spelling patterns
Many silent e words follow the same spelling pattern: one vowel, one consonant, and a silent e at the end.
Common Patterns:
- a_e → cake, name
- i_e → bike, time
- o_e → home, nose
- u_e → cube, mule
Note
These patterns can help you spell new words correctly.
Using silent e words in sentences
Reading and writing silent e words in sentences helps you remember their spelling.
Examples:
- The cake is on the table.
- I like to ride my bike.
- We went home after school.
Note
Check the end of each word to make sure the silent e is spelled correctly.