letter combo

Rule Core

Letter combinations are stable or semi-stable sound units formed by two or more letters, whose pronunciation is not a simple sum of individual sounds, such as ea, al, tion. Mastering their priority improves decoding accuracy.

Pronunciation Guide

Focus on the primary vowel or consonant cluster. Shape the tongue and lips around it, keeping airflow smooth without spelling out each letter.

Word Analysis

• altogether: al /ɔːl/, smoothly linked;
• bear: ea /eə/, mid-front tongue position;
• educational: tion /ʃən/, raised tongue tip with light friction.

Pitfall Alert

Watch for variable sounds (ea in head vs. bear) and etymology-driven exceptions.