English spelling can be confusing. Sometimes we see a letter in a word, but we do not pronounce it. This is called a silent letter. One common silent letter is C. In some words, the letter C is written but not spoken. Learning these patterns will help you read, spell, and speak English more naturally.
Simple Rules for Silent C
A silent C means that the letter C appears in the spelling of a word, but you do not pronounce it. It “hides” and has no sound. For example, in the word scissors, you do not hear the C.
Here are some common situations where C is silent:
1. When C comes before K
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The combination -ck- only makes the /k/ sound.
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The first C is silent.
Examples:
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back /bæk/
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clock /klɒk/
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black /blæk/
👉 Rule: In most words with CK, only the K is pronounced.
2. When C comes before S
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In words like scissors or muscle, the C is not pronounced.
Examples:
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scissors /ˈsɪzəz/
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muscle /ˈmʌsəl/
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scene /siːn/
👉 Rule: In SC + vowel combinations, the C is often silent.
3. Words Borrowed from Other Languages
English borrowed many words from Latin or French. In these words, C is often silent.
Examples:
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indict /ɪnˈdaɪt/
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czar /zɑːr/
Common Words with Silent C
| Word | IPA Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| back | /bæk/ |
| black | /blæk/ |
| block | /blɒk/ |
| brick | /brɪk/ |
| clock | /klɒk/ |
| click | /klɪk/ |
| duck | /dʌk/ |
| luck | /lʌk/ |
| pick | /pɪk/ |
| stick | /stɪk/ |
| truck | /trʌk/ |
| muscle | /ˈmʌsəl/ |
| scissors | /ˈsɪzəz/ |
| scene | /siːn/ |
| scent | /sent/ |
| crescent | /ˈkrɛsənt/ |
| fascinate | /ˈfæsɪneɪt/ |
| obscene | /əbˈsiːn/ |
| ascend | /əˈsɛnd/ |
| descend | /dɪˈsɛnd/ |
| adolescent | /ˌædəˈlɛsənt/ |
| indict | /ɪnˈdaɪt/ |
| czar | /zɑːr/ |
| victuals | /ˈvɪtlz/ |
| acquiesce | /ˌækwiˈɛs/ |
| balletic | /bæˈlɛtɪk/ |
| abscess | /ˈæbses/ |
| corpuscle | /ˈkɔːpəsəl/ |
| miscellaneous | /ˌmɪsəˈleɪniəs/ |
| picturesque | /ˌpɪktʃəˈrɛsk/ |
Practicing Silent C for Learners
Read the sentences aloud. Notice the silent C.
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The muscle in my arm feels strong.
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She cut the paper with sharp scissors.
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The scene in the movie was very funny.
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I love the fresh scent of flowers.
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The moon looked like a bright crescent.
The silent letter C is not as difficult as it looks. Remember the simple rules: it is often silent before K, before S, and in some words from French or Latin. With practice, you will read, speak, and understand English better.