What is a Soft C Sound?
The letter "c" in English can have two main sounds: a hard c sound and a soft c sound.
The hard c sound is like the "k" sound in "cat" or "car." You pronounce it by placing the back of your tongue against the soft palate in the back of your mouth.
The soft c sound is like the "s" sound in "cent" or "city." You pronounce it by placing the tip of your tongue behind your upper teeth.
How do you know when "c" makes a soft sound?
The key to determining if "c" makes a soft sound is the vowel that follows it.
- If "c" is followed by "e," "i," or "y," it usually makes a soft "s" sound. For example:
- cent
- city
- cycle
- If "c" is followed by "a," "o," or "u," it usually makes a hard "k" sound. For example:
- cat
- cock
- cub
Exceptions to the Rule:
There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, the word "cease" has a soft "s" sound, even though it is followed by an "a." Additionally, some words have a hard "k" sound even when followed by "e," "i," or "y," such as "cycle" and "cynic."
Learning the Soft C Sound:
To learn the soft c sound, it is helpful to practice saying words with the "c" followed by "e," "i," or "y." You can also look for words with the soft c sound in books or articles.
By understanding the rules and practicing, you will be able to confidently identify and pronounce the soft c sound in English.