H.1 Identify soft and hard c sounds in words
What are soft and hard “c” sounds?
The letter c can make two different sounds. It can sound like a k (hard “c”) or like an s (soft “c”).
- Hard “c”: cat, cup, corn
- Soft “c”: cent, city, face
Think of c as a tricky letter—it changes its sound depending on the letter that follows it.
How to know when “c” is hard or soft
The sound of c depends on the vowel after it. This rule helps readers and writers decide if c is hard or soft.
- If c comes before a, o, or u, it usually makes the hard “k” sound. (cake, corn, cup)
- If c comes before e, i, or y, it usually makes the soft “s” sound. (cent, city, cycle)
Remember this phrase: “C is soft before e, i, y, but hard before a, o, u.”
Common words with soft and hard “c”
Here are some words you will often see that use both soft and hard “c.”
- Hard “c”: cake, cold, cup, card
- Soft “c”: cell, city, cent, pencil
Soft “c” is more common in words borrowed from Latin and French. That is why English has many soft “c” words.
Using soft and hard “c” in sentences
Practice reading and writing words with both soft and hard “c” sounds in full sentences to understand the difference.
- “The cat chased the city mouse.” (hard and soft)
- “I put a coin in the cup.” (hard)
- “The cent rolled under the sofa.” (soft)
When you are unsure, say the word out loud and listen carefully to the sound that c makes.
Practice tip
To master soft and hard “c,” practice sorting words into two groups: one for the soft sound and one for the hard sound.
- Hard “c” pile: car, corn, cup
- Soft “c” pile: city, cent, circle
Sorting words helps you see and hear patterns. The more you practice, the easier it will be to recognize soft and hard “c.”