qu digraph

Core Rule

The qu digraph almost always represents /kw/ in English. The letter q never stands alone; u is mandatory and functions as part of the consonant cluster, not a vowel.

Articulation Guide

Produce /k/ with a velar stop, then immediately round the lips for /w/, allowing smooth airflow between the two sounds.

Word Analysis

• enquiry /ɪnˈkwaɪəri/: a clear, regular /kw/ realization.
• distinguish / distinguishable: spelled with gu, yielding /gw/, included to contrast with qu.

Pitfall Alerts

Do not pronounce the u as a vowel or confuse qu with gu spellings.