consonant rewrite

Rule Core

Consonant rewriting means that one consonant sound can be spelled with different letters or letter groups. The sound stays stable while the spelling changes. For example, /dʒ/ can be written as j (jelly) or g before e/i/y; /ʃ/ is commonly rewritten as sh (shell).

Articulation Guide

/dʒ/: tongue tip contacts the alveolar ridge, then releases with voicing. /ʃ/: tongue raised toward the palate, lips slightly rounded, steady airflow, voiceless.

Word Analysis

jelly uses j to represent /dʒ/. shell uses the digraph sh to rewrite /ʃ/, not two separate sounds.

Pitfalls

Do not confuse /dʒ/ with /ʒ/, and avoid pronouncing sh as /s/ + /h/. Watch soft g before e/i/y.