Piano Guidance
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger Pexels Logo Photo: eberhard grossgasteiger

Why is the L silent in Almond?

If an “L” is found towards the end of the word, before the letters “f,” “v”, “k” and “m,” but after the letter “a,” then it's usually silent (behalf, calve, walk, almond). In many of these instances, the silent L lengthens the previous vowel sound, which gives the slight impression of the “L” /l/ sound.

What is the simplest chord?
What is the simplest chord?

Basic Em Guitar Chord (E Minor Chord) It's one of the most basic guitar chords not only because it's easy, but because it's used all the time in a...

Read More »
Do all keycaps work on all keyboards?
Do all keycaps work on all keyboards?

Different companies use different mechanical switches to build their keyboard, and not every switch is compatible with every type of keycap. The...

Read More »

Silent letters can be unpredictable, and the silent “L” is no different. Below, we’ll go over some instances where you can expect to find a silent “L.” A few examples of words with a silent “L” are: ○ behalf ○ colonel ○ salmon ○ would ○ yolk

The Silent “L”

We know. It’s hard to comprehend that some words are spelled with letters that aren’t pronounced when said out loud. These silent letters make learning proper spelling and pronunciation that much more difficult. We’re here to help. Below, we’ll go over a few patterns where the silent “L” is typically found and provide a word list.

Let’s talk about the silent “L.”

Silent “L” Patterns

Admittedly, the silent “L” isn’t that predictable. If an “L” is found towards the end of the word, before the letters “f,” “v”, “k” and “m,” but after the letter “a,” then it’s usually silent (behalf, calve, walk, almond). In many of these instances, the silent L lengthens the previous vowel sound, which gives the slight impression of the “L” /l/ sound. Another pattern where the silent “L” is found is after the letters “ou” and before “d” (would). Keep in mind that these aren’t set rules, nor are they the only instances in which the “L” is silent. They are just common arrangements that also have some exceptions; for example, the “L” in valve is not silent.

Silent “L” Words

Here is a list of words with a silent “L.”

a l mond /ˈɑːmənd/

mond /ˈɑːmənd/ ba l k /bɔːk/

k /bɔːk/ ba l m /bɑːm/

m /bɑːm/ beha l f /bɪˈhæf/

f /bɪˈhæf/ ca l f /kæf/

f /kæf/ ca l m /kɑːm/

m /kɑːm/ ca l ve /kæv/

ve /kæv/ cha l k /tʃɔːk/

k /tʃɔːk/ co l onel /ˈkɜːrnl/

onel /ˈkɜːrnl/ cou l d /kʊd/

d /kʊd/ fo l k /fəʊk/

k /fəʊk/ ha l f /hæf/

f /hæf/ ha l ve /hæv/

ve /hæv/ pa l m /pɑːm/

m /pɑːm/ psa l m /sɑːm/

m /sɑːm/ sa l mon /ˈsæmən/

mon /ˈsæmən/ sa l ve /sæv/

ve /sæv/ shou l d /ʃʊd/

d /ʃʊd/ sta l k /stɔːk/

k /stɔːk/ ta l k /tɔːk/

k /tɔːk/ wa l k /wɔːk/

k /wɔːk/ wou l d /wʊd/

d /wʊd/ yolk /jəʊk/

I prefer almond butter over peanut butter.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Emma only eats the egg whites, never the yolks.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Struggling With The Silent “L?” You Should Try LanguageTool

Silent letters are challenging. A little help could go a long way. LanguageTool—an intelligent text editor that supports more than 20 languages—can make sure your spelling is immaculate, regardless if the word contains a silent letter or not. Additionally, if you use LanguageTool as your writing assistant, it’ll help detect and correct grammar mistakes. Keep calm, and try it for free today.

What percentage of people have an ear for music?
What percentage of people have an ear for music?

A proportion of 1 in 10,000 is widely reported, but not supported by evidence; a 2019 review indicated a prevalence of at least 4% amongst music...

Read More »
What are the 20 shortcut keys?
What are the 20 shortcut keys?

Basic Windows keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+W: Close. Ctrl+A: Select all. Alt+Tab: Switch apps. Alt+F4: Close apps. Win+D: Show or hide the desktop....

Read More »

When did ivory become illegal?

1989 African elephants declined in massive numbers in the 1970s and 1980s because of poaching for the illegal ivory trade. So the international trade was banned by CITES in 1989.

worldwildlife.org - Elephant Ivory | Pages - WWF

It takes a whole elephant to make a little ivory. Your purchase has just cost the life of one of the most mystical and majestic creatures on earth. These carved picture frames are just one of the many items that come from the ivory tusks of elephants. The ivory trade is a complicated issue and most trade is illegal. Still, you can find ivory in markets around Africa and Asia, and even in the US and Europe. Here are the facts. African elephants declined in massive numbers in the 1970s and 1980s because of poaching for the illegal ivory trade. So the international trade was banned by CITES in 1989. Some elephant populations have begun to recover, but poaching continues to be a problem in many areas. CITES allowed a limited export of ivory stocks to Japan in 1999, but only from certain African countries (Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe) where elephants are relatively numerous. It is still illegal to bring ivory back to the United States. Unsuspecting tourists often come across ivory and think it is legal. And some say if the elephant's already dead, why not buy the item, right? Wrong. If people keep buying these products the illegal trade will continue, and poachers will keep killing for more. NOTE: This page refers specifically to elephant ivory. While many people outside the Arctic often associate ivory with elephants, the term is also used for items that come from other species, and has different stipulations. Learn more.

Can I learn keyboard on my own?
Can I learn keyboard on my own?

Absolutely. While there is no doubt that having a good traditional teacher can be helpful, the fact is you can teach yourself how to play piano /...

Read More »
How hard is it to learn piano in your 50s?
How hard is it to learn piano in your 50s?

Can you learn piano in your 50s? You can learn to play the piano in your 50s quite easily, especially if you practice often. You can also learn to...

Read More »
What 7 notes are in the C blues scale?
What 7 notes are in the C blues scale?

What are the notes of the C Minor Blues Scale? The notes of the C Minor Blues Scale are C Eb F F# G and Bb. You can think of this scale as a...

Read More »
What are 4 elements of worship?
What are 4 elements of worship?

4 Elements of Genuine Worship Worship is wonderment. As Isaiah enters the presence of God, he is awestruck by God's majesty and holiness. ......

Read More »