In this lesson, we will learn how to pronounce words spelt <qu> that are pronounced /k/. This lesson is Part Four of Four on /k/.
- /k/ is the most diverse consonant in terms of spelling patterns
- /k/ is often spelt with the letter ‘c’
- a letter /k/ in a word’s spelling is always pronounced /k/
Many of the example words in this lesson are foreign loan words (they entered English via a foreign language). This is the reason their spellings are peculiar.
In most cases, <qu> spelling represents a /kw/ consonant blend:
queen quick quiet question
Words spelt <que> are pronounced with a single /k/ sound:
cheque antique unique physique
Practice Unusual /k/ Words: Some Examples from the Lesson Recording
Iraq: In Iraq, women are clad in burqas and nicabs
▶︎ ‘Iraq’ (n) is a country in the Middle East. Notice that all three example words in the above sentence break the spelling rule that “q is always followed by u in English”. This is because these words are from Persian / Medieval Arabic.
qwerty: thirty dirty qwerty keyboards
▶︎ ‘querty’ and ‘QWERTY’ (n; IT word) is an unusual word that refers to the standard layout of keys on an English keyboard (for typing).
quick: ask a squid a quick question
quiche: quiche recipe
▶︎ ‘quiche’ (n) is a savoury French pastry dish.
equinox: spring equinox
▶︎ One of two days per year when in the Northern Hemisphere, the day and night are of equal length.
Extend Your Learning
◼️Pronunciation of /k/ Part One HERE.
◼️Pronunciation of /k/ Part Two HERE.
◼️Pronunciation of /k/ Part Three HERE.
◼️Pronunciation of /k/ Part Four HERE.
Want to speak clear and confident English? ▶︎ https://clearaccent.co.uk ✔︎
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Comments are closed.