n sound

Rule Core

The /n/ sound is an alveolar nasal produced by the letter n and its spelling variants. Its defining feature is oral closure with nasal airflow, giving the sound stability across word positions. In phonics, /n/ often signals short, checked vowels and supports syllable clarity.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue tip lightly against the alveolar ridge. Seal the oral cavity, lower the soft palate, and let voiced air pass through the nose. The sound is continuous and non-explosive.

Word Analysis

• enough /ɪˈnʌf/: the n is fully voiced; note that -gh is silent.
• fence /fens/: n shortens and tightens the preceding vowel.
• inn /ɪn/: double nn marks a short vowel before it.

Pitfalls

Do not confuse /n/ with /ŋ/ (ng). Watch silent-letter patterns like kn and gn in initial position.