English · Letter sounds
Sound out C-V-C words
Blend three-sound words like cat.
What is a C-V-C word?
C-V-C means consonant, vowel, consonant. The first sound is a consonant, like c. The middle sound is a vowel, like a. The last sound is a consonant, like t. Together they make cat! These words have just three sounds.
How to blend the sounds
Say each sound slowly, one at a time. Then push the sounds together faster and faster. Listen carefully as the sounds join up. Soon you will hear the whole word!
Let's try an example
Look at the word d-o-g. Say d. Say o. Say g. Now say them faster: d-o-g, dog! You just blended three sounds into one word. Well done!
Tips for blending
Keep your sounds short and clear. Don't add extra sounds like uh after each letter. Hold the vowel sound a tiny bit longer. This helps you hear the word more easily.
Worked examples
1. Blend the sounds to read: p-i-g
- Say the first sound: p.
- Say the middle sound: i.
- Say the last sound: g.
- Push them together faster: p-i-g, pig!
2. Blend the sounds to read: s-u-n
- Say the first sound: s.
- Say the middle sound: u.
- Say the last sound: n.
- Blend them smoothly: s-u-n, sun!
3. Blend the sounds to read: h-o-t
- Say the first sound: h.
- Say the middle sound: o.
- Say the last sound: t.
- Say them quickly together: h-o-t, hot!
Try it yourself
Blend these sounds to make a word: r-a-t
Ready to test yourself?
Take a short topic test — every question maps to a syllabus point so you’ll see exactly which parts you’ve mastered.