A.1 Complete words with three-letter consonant blends
What are three-letter consonant blends?
Three-letter consonant blends are groups of three consonants that appear together in a word. When read, you can still hear each consonant sound, even though they blend smoothly.
- str → strong
- spr → spring
- spl → splash
Remember: three-letter blends are different from digraphs because every letter keeps its own sound.
How do you read three-letter blends?
To read a three-letter blend, say each consonant sound quickly and smoothly, without adding extra vowels. Blending helps you read words more fluently.
- scr → scrub
- shr → shrimp
- thr → three
Practice slowly at first. Blend the sounds together until they flow as one smooth part of the word.
Common three-letter consonant blends
Here are some of the most common three-letter consonant blends you will see in reading and writing:
- str → street, strong
- spr → spring, spray
- spl → splash, split
- scr → scrub, screen
- shr → shrimp, shrink
- thr → three, throw
Notice that three-letter blends usually come at the beginning of words. Listen carefully for each consonant sound.
Using three-letter blends in sentences
Reading words with three-letter blends in full sentences helps you understand and remember them better.
- “The spring flowers are blooming.”
- “He took the strong rope and tied it.”
- “The three friends went on a trip.”
When you read aloud, try to say each consonant sound clearly, but blend them quickly so the word sounds natural.