English is a fun language. But sometimes, spelling can confuse kids. One reason is silent letters in English words. These are letters we write but do not pronounce. They are there in the spelling, but when we say the word, they stay silent.

For example, in the word knife, we do not say the “k.” It is silent. Words like these often confuse children when they start learning to read and spell. That is why it helps to know the most common silent letter words.

In this blog, we will look at 20 words with silent letters for kids. We will also share simple silent letter examples, explain why they are tricky, and give some English spelling tips for kids to make learning easier.

Why Silent Letters Matter in English Words?

Silent letters make English spelling tricky. Kids often ask, “Why write a letter if we don’t say it?” That is a good question. Many silent letters are there because of old English and words borrowed from other languages. Over time, the way we speak changed, but the spellings stayed the same.

For kids, learning these words early is helpful. It saves confusion later. It also builds confidence in reading and writing. That’s why teachers often focus on tricky English words for kids that include silent letters.

Top 20 Common Words with Silent Letters in English

Here is our list of 20 simple words every child should know.

1. Knife

The “k” is silent. We only say “nife.”
Example: She used a knife to cut the apple.

2. Knee

Again, the “k” is silent. We say “nee.”
Example: He fell and hurt his knee.

3. Knock

The “k” is silent. We say “nock.”
Example: Please knock on the door.

4. Know

The “k” is silent. We say “no.”
Example: Do you know the answer?

5. Gnat

The “g” is silent. We say “nat.”
Example: A gnat flew near the lamp.

6. Gnaw

The “g” is silent. We say “naw.”
Example: Dogs like to gnaw on bones.

7. Write

The “w” is silent. We say “rite.”
Example: Please write your name on the paper.

8. Wrong

The “w” is silent. We say “rong.”
Example: It is wrong to tell lies.

9. Wrist

The “w” is silent. We say “rist.”
Example: She wore a watch on her wrist.

10. Sword

The “w” is silent. We say “sord.”
Example: The knight carried a sword.

11. Island

The “s” is silent. We say “iland.”
Example: They went on a trip to an island.

12. Honest

The “h” is silent. We say “onest.”
Example: Always be honest with your friends.

13. Hour

The “h” is silent. We say “our.”
Example: The class will start in one hour.

14. Castle

The “t” is silent. We say “cass-ul.”
Example: The king lived in a big castle.

15. Listen

The “t” is silent. We say “lissen.”
Example: Listen carefully to your teacher.

16. Whistle

The “t” is silent. We say “wissul.”
Example: He blew a whistle at the game.

17. Autumn

The “n” is silent. We say “aw-tum.”
Example: Autumn is the season of falling leaves.

18. Thumb

The “b” is silent. We say “thum.”
Example: She hurt her thumb while playing.

19. Climb

The “b” is silent. We say “clime.”
Example: The children will climb the tree.

20. Doubt

The “b” is silent. We say “dout.”
Example: I have no doubt about the answer.

These 20 are among the most common silent letter words kids will see in books, lessons, and everyday life.

Related Topic: Words with Silent ‘K’: Examples and Easy Memory Tricks

Why These Words Are Tricky?

These words are confusing because kids often try to pronounce every letter. For example, they may say “k-nife” or “h-onest.” That is normal. With practice, they learn that some letters are just silent.

The key is to give children clear silent letter examples and lots of practice. Reading aloud also helps. When kids see the spelling and hear the correct sound, they remember better.

English Spelling Tips for Kids

Here are a few simple tips to help children learn words with silent letters for kids:

1. Group by letters: Teach all silent “k” words together (knife, knee, knock, know). Kids will see the pattern.
   
2. Use word cards: Write the word on one side and the sound on the other.
   
3. Practice reading: Read stories that include tricky English words for kids with silent letters.
   
4. Play games: Word puzzles and spelling games make practice fun.
   
5. Repeat often: Silent letters take time to remember. The more kids see them, the easier it becomes.
   

These small steps make spelling less scary and more enjoyable.

Why Kids Should Learn Silent Letters Early?

Silent letters are part of everyday English. They appear in school books, signs, and stories. If children learn them early, they become confident readers. They also make fewer spelling mistakes later.

For parents and teachers, teaching silent letters in English words can be fun. Use real-life examples. A simple equation: words seen on signs, from books, and also words picked up during kid conversations. This way, children learn without much pressure.

More Silent Letters in English Examples

The 20 words we listed are the most common. But English has many more. Here are a few bonus ones you can share with kids:

• Psalm (silent “p”)
  
• Design (silent “g”)
  
• Subtle (silent “b”)
  
• Receipt (silent “p”)
  
• Edge (silent “e”)
  

These are harder, but older kids may enjoy the challenge.

Making Learning Fun

The best way to teach tricky English words for kids is through fun. Turn practice into a game. For example, ask kids to “spot the silent letter” in a word. Or have them compete to list as many silent letter words as they can in one minute.

You can also let kids draw pictures of words like “knife” or “castle.” When they see the word and image together, they remember faster.

Final Thoughts

Silent letters make English fascinating. They may seem tricky at first, but with increasing practice, children quickly. Starting with these 20 words, children have a solid foundation. These common silent letter words appear frequently in reading, writing, and talking.

Silent letters examples combined with practice and games make it possible for kids to tackle these difficult spellings. With support through simple lessons, parents and teachers make the journey a whole lot easier.

Remember, learning words with silent letters for kids is not just about spelling. It is also about building confidence. The more kids read and practice, the better they get at English.

So, next time your child says “k-nife,” just smile and gently remind them. “The k is silent.” With time, they will get it right, and they might even enjoy finding more silent letters on their own!