st blend

Core Rule

The st blend is a consonant cluster where /s/ + /t/ are both fully pronounced with no assimilation. It appears word-initially, medially, or finally and follows linear grapheme–phoneme mapping.

Articulation Guide

Form /s/ with a narrow groove at the alveolar ridge and steady airflow; then release into a clean alveolar stop /t/ with a brief burst.

Word Analysis

christ /krɪst/: final st stays crisp. extensive /ɪkˈstensɪv/: st spans syllables but remains intact. ghost /ɡoʊst/: silent gh; st anchors the coda.

Pitfalls

Do not shift to /ʃt/ or drop /t/ near affixes or silent letters.