ch sound
Core Rule
The ch digraph most commonly represents /tʃ/, a stop‑fricative blend of t + sh. In limited cases, it shifts to /k/ (Greek origin) or /ʃ/ (French origin).
Articulation Guide
Place the tongue tip at the alveolar ridge, stop the airflow briefly, then release into friction. Lips are slightly rounded; the sound is voiceless.
Word Analysis
- achieve: initial ch = /tʃ/, clean stop then friction.
- anchovy: ch remains /tʃ/, not /ʃ/.
- arch: final ch = /tʃ/ with a sharp release.
Pitfalls
Do not confuse ch /tʃ/ with sh /ʃ/, and watch for exceptions like chorus or character where ch = /k/.
Phonics Breakdown
Stop at the ridge, then release into friction
Sound Reference
- Blend t + sh to feel /tʃ/
- Check word origin for exceptions
Common Mistakes
Reading ch as sh
Forgetting /k/ exceptions
Example Words
All Words (94)
achieve anchovy arch attach avalanche bench bleach breach butcher chair chalk chamber champion chance chancellor change chant chap chapel chapter char charitable charm chart chase chat cheap cheer cheese cheque cherish cherry chess chest chew chick chicken chief child children chile chill chilly chimney china chip choice choke choose choosy chop chopstick chore chunk church churchill couch crouch each enrich franchise french grandchildren itchy kitchen launch luncheon machine march merchandise much nurture orchard ouch perch porch preach punch purchase ranch reach rich satchel search speech speechless such teach tech torch touch trench voucher which