中 EN 日 한 VI
Digraphs 1 words

tch sound

Rule Core

tch spells /tʃ/ after a short vowel in one‑syllable words, locking the vowel short: bitch, catch, match.

Articulation

Stop with /t/, then release into /ʃ/. Tongue tip near the alveolar ridge; airflow forward and crisp.

Example

bitch: short /ɪ/ + tch. Using ch alone may signal a long vowel or different structure.

Pitfalls

Avoid tch after long vowels, at word beginnings, or after another consonant where ch is typical.

Phonics Breakdown

Stop then release: /t/ into /ʃ/, tongue near alveolar ridge.

Sound Reference

  • Think: short vowel locks with tch
  • Check syllable count before spelling

Common Mistakes

Using tch after long vowels
Placing tch at word start

Example Words

bitch