qu

Core Rule

In English phonics, qu almost always represents the sound /kw/. The letter q never functions alone; it requires u to signal a labialized consonant inherited from Latin spelling.

Articulation Guide

Start with /k/: raise the back of the tongue to the soft palate and release a brief stop. Immediately round the lips for /w/, letting the airflow glide forward, producing a smooth /kw/ blend.

Word Analysis

• acquaintance /əˈkweɪntəns/: the qu cluster clearly forms /kw/; omitting /w/ weakens intelligibility.
• adequacy /ˈædɪkwəsi/: medial qu links vowels; maintain a full /kw/ sequence.

Pitfalls

Do not read qu as /kjuː/. Except for rare loanwords, q is always followed by u, and u is not a separate vowel.