tch sounds ch

Rule Core

tch spells /tʃ/, the same sound as ch, typically used after a short vowel at word-final position to stabilize spelling. The t is silent, reinforcing the affricate quality.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue tip against the alveolar ridge for a brief stop, then release into frication. Lips slightly rounded; airflow released once.

Word Analysis

• catch, match, watch: short vowel + tch → /tʃ/.
• quench: ends with nch, also /tʃ/, but used after nasal n, not the tch pattern.

Pitfalls

Avoid using tch after long vowels; rarely appears word-initially; do not split it into /t/ + /ʃ/.