Consonant Digraph CK: Sound, Rules, and Examples

When you’re learning English spelling, one combination you’ll see again and again is the digraph “ck”. Let’s explore what it is, how it sounds, and when to use it correctly.

Consonant Digraph ck

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What is the “ck” Digraph?

The digraph “ck” is two consonants—c and k—that together make one sound: /k/.

Even though it looks like two letters, it is pronounced exactly the same as a single “k.”

The sound /k/ is voiceless. To pronounce it, raise the back of your tongue to touch the soft part of the mouth (velum), stop the air for a moment, then release it quickly.

See the illustration and listen to the audio below for practice.

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Listen carefully to catch how long the /k/ sound last.

When Do We Use “ck”?

In English spelling, “ck” has a special job. It usually appears after a short vowel sound and at the end of the syllable. For example:

✅The digraph “ck” is never used at the beginning of English words.

Examples of “ck” Words

Here are some common examples:

• back (/bæk/)

• duck (/dʌk/)

• kick (/kɪk/)

• lock (/lɑːk/)

• stick (/stɪk/)

• rock (/rɒk/)

• neck (/nɛk/)

• pack (/pæk/)

• sick (/sɪk/)

• truck (/trʌk/)

✅ Notice how each word has a short vowel sound right before “ck.”

Words with Consonant Digraph ck

Words with “ck” = /k/ in the Middle

Words with “ck” = /k/ at the End