Definition 1 of 3
Certain consonant sounds can be spelled in various ways, which might confuse learners.
The 'k' sound can be spelled as 'c', 'k', 'ck', or 'ch' as in 'cat', 'kite', 'duck', and 'chorus'.
Some English words start or end with two or more consonants, called blends, which you'll learn to recognize.
'Street' begins with the blend 'str', while 'last' ends with 'st'.
Not all consonants are spoken. Some words contain consonants that remain silent.
In 'knee', the 'k' is silent.