At Lingua Lab, we help you improve your accent and vocabulary so you can speak English fluently and confidently. One tricky part of English pronunciation is silent letters—letters that appear in spelling but are not pronounced. Learning these words can enhance both your pronunciation and writing skills.

Here are 20 common words with silent letters, their meanings, and example sentences:

1. Debt (/dɛt/) – Silent b

Meaning: Money owed to someone

Example: She finally paid off her debt after years of hard work.

2. Doubt (/daʊt/) – Silent b

Meaning: A feeling of uncertainty

Example: I have no doubt that you will pass your exam.

3. Comb (/koʊm/) – Silent b

Meaning: A tool used for arranging hair

Example: He ran a comb through his hair before leaving.

4. Tomb (/tuːm/) – Silent b

Meaning: A large grave, especially one for an important person

Example: The ancient king’s tomb was discovered by archaeologists.

5. Thumb (/θʌm/) – Silent b

Meaning: The short, thick finger on the hand

Example: She accidentally cut her thumb while chopping vegetables.

6. Knife (/naɪf/) – Silent k

Meaning: A sharp tool used for cutting

Example: Use a sharp knife to slice the vegetables.

7. Knock (/nɒk/) – Silent k

Meaning: To hit a surface to get attention

Example: Please knock before entering my room.

8. Know (/noʊ/) – Silent k

Meaning: To be aware of something

Example: Do you know the answer to this question?

9. Gnat (/næt/) – Silent g

Meaning: A small flying insect

Example: A gnat kept buzzing around my ear.

10. Gnome (/noʊm/) – Silent g

Meaning: A small mythical creature often placed in gardens

Example: The old woman had a gnome in her backyard.

11. Hour (/aʊər/) – Silent h

Meaning: A unit of time (60 minutes)

Example: The train will arrive in one hour.

12. Honest (/ˈɒnɪst/) – Silent h

Meaning: Being truthful and sincere

Example: She is an honest person who always tells the truth.

13. Castle (/ˈkæsl/) – Silent t

Meaning: A large fortress or palace

Example: The royal family lived in a magnificent castle.

14. Whistle (/ˈwɪsl/) – Silent t

Meaning: A high-pitched sound made by blowing air through lips or a device

Example: He gave a loud whistle to call his dog.

15. Listen (/ˈlɪsən/) – Silent t

Meaning: To pay attention to sound

Example: Please listen carefully to the instructions.

16. Wrist (/rɪst/) – Silent w

Meaning: The joint between the hand and the arm

Example: She wore a gold bracelet on her wrist.

17. Write (/raɪt/) – Silent w

Meaning: To put words on paper

Example: Please write your name on the form.

18. Psychology (/saɪˈkɒlədʒi/) – Silent p

Meaning: The scientific study of the human mind and behavior

Example: She is studying psychology at university.

19. Receipt (/rɪˈsiːt/) – Silent p

Meaning: A document that proves payment

Example: Keep the receipt in case you need to return the item.

20. Subtle (/ˈsʌtl/) – Silent b

Meaning: Not obvious; delicate or precise

Example: There was a subtle change in her expression.

Master Your Pronunciation with Lingua Lab!

At Lingua Lab, we focus on improving your spoken English, pronunciation, and vocabulary. Silent letters can be confusing, but with the right practice, you can sound more fluent and natural.

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