ue sound
Rule Core
ue is a vowel digraph in English phonics. In most cases, especially at word endings, it represents the long /uː/ sound, matching the letter name of u.
Articulation Guide
Raise the tongue toward the soft palate, keep the tongue tip relaxed, and round the lips firmly forward. Let the airflow remain smooth and continuous.
Word Analysis
- blue /bluː/: final ue = long /uː/
- true /truː/: consonant + ue keeps the same vowel value
- value /ˈvæljuː/: ue appears in an unstressed syllable as /juː/
Pitfalls
Do not confuse ue with oo spellings. Also note exceptions like guess and guest, where ue does not sound /uː/.
Phonics Breakdown
Raise back of tongue, round lips forward, sustain airflow
Sound Reference
- Check word-final position first
- Watch for stressed vs unstressed syllables
Common Mistakes
Reading all ue as /uː/
Mispronouncing guess as /guːs/