Investigate Exceptions to the Rule of Using ck for the k Phoneme

The letters 'ck' are generally used to spell the 'k' sound in the middle or at the end of words if there is a short vowel sound just before the 'k' sound.

tackle

pocket

sock

However, there are always exceptions to rules!

If the 'k' sound is followed by a 't' then the letter 'c' is used instead.

object

fact

acting

If the 'k' sound comes after the short 'i' vowel sound then 'ck' is used for one-syllable words but 'c' is usually used for words with more than one syllable.

stick

pick

magic

classic

artistic

In this activity, you can practise choosing the correct spelling for words containing the 'k' sound.

If you want to look back at this page, simply click on the red help button on the screen at any point.