igh sound

Core Rule

igh is a highly stable spelling for the long vowel /aɪ/ (the letter name of i). Historically, gh lost its consonant sound, leaving a silent marker that signals the long vowel.

Articulation Guide

Start with a relaxed, mid-low tongue position, then glide upward and forward. The mouth opens slightly and moves toward a light smile. Airflow is smooth and continuous.

Word Analysis

• eyesight: In sight, igh → /aɪ/; stress remains clear and steady.
• highway: high contains a textbook igh pronunciation, linking smoothly to way.
• guidebook: No igh here; gui also yields /aɪ/, highlighting that sound ≠ spelling.

Pitfalls

Avoid /ɪ/ or /iː/. Do not assume every /aɪ/ sound must be spelled igh.