Qu Sound

  UK INFOS 

(Abacus Hindi, Vedic Maths and Phonics Coaching Centre, Peravurani)

Qu" sound in English.

Pronunciation of "qu"

The "qu" sound is typically pronounced as /kw/ in English. Here’s a breakdown of the sound:

1. Consonant /k/:

   - The sound /k/ is a voiceless velar plosive. This means that the sound is produced by blocking airflow with the back of the tongue against the soft part of the roof of the mouth (the velum) and then releasing it.

   - Example words: cat, kite, cold.

2. Consonant /w/:

   - The sound /w/ is a voiced bilabial glide. This means that the sound is produced by rounding the lips and voicing (vocal cords vibrating).

   - Example words: water, wish, wonder.

 3.Combining /k/ and /w/

When "qu" appears in a word, the /k/ and /w/ sounds are combined. Here are some examples:

1. Quick: /kwɪk/

2. Queen: /kwiːn/

3. Question: /ˈkwɛs.tʃən/

 Exceptions

In some words, particularly those borrowed from French, "qu" is pronounced as /k/ without the /w/ sound. Examples include:

1. Unique: /juˈniːk/

2. Mosque: /mɒsk/

3. Conquer: /ˈkɒŋ.kər/

 Spelling Rules

1. Words beginning with "qu":

   - Usually pronounced /kw/.

   - Examples: quit, quiz, quarter.

2. Words ending in "que":

   - Usually pronounced /k/.

   - Examples: antique, boutique, critique.

Here are 20 examples of words containing the "qu" sound, along with their pronunciations:

1. Quick (/kwɪk/)
2. Queen (/kwiːn/)
3. Quest (/kwɛst/)
4. Quote (/kwoʊt/)
5. Quiet (/ˈkwaɪ.ət/)
6. Quarter (/ˈkwɔːr.tər/)
7. Quack (/kwæk/)
8. Quiz (/kwɪz/)
9. Quill (/kwɪl/)
10. Quench (/kwɛntʃ/)
11. Quaint (/kweɪnt/)
12. Quality (/ˈkwɒl.ɪ.ti/)
13. Quantity (/ˈkwɒn.tɪ.ti/)
14. Quarantine (/ˈkwɒr.ən.tiːn/)
15. Quotation (/kwoʊˈteɪ.ʃən/)
16. Quiver (/ˈkwɪv.ər/)
17. Quasar (/ˈkweɪ.zɑːr/)
18. Quintessential (/ˌkwɪn.tɪˈsɛn.ʃəl/)
19. Quadrant (/ˈkwɒd.rənt/)
20. Quagmire (/ˈkwæɡ.maɪər/)

These words showcase the typical /kw/ pronunciation of the "qu" sound in English.

20 sentences using words that contain the "qu" sound:

1. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
2. The queen waved to the crowd from her balcony.
3. The adventurer set out on a quest to find the lost treasure.
4. He began his speech with a famous quote.
5. Please be quiet while the baby is sleeping.
6. She saved a quarter of her paycheck every month.
7. We heard a quack coming from the pond.
8. The students prepared for their quiz on Friday.
9. The writer used a quill to pen the letter.
10. Drinking water can quench your thirst.
11. The quaint village was a lovely place to visit.
12. The quality of the fabric was exceptional.
13. The quantity of food was more than enough for everyone.
14. The travelers had to quarantine after returning from abroad.
15. The professor began with a quotation from Shakespeare.
16. The archer's hand did not quiver as he took aim.
17. A quasar is a highly luminous active galactic nucleus.
18. She is the quintessential example of grace under pressure.
19. The quadrant of the city they lived in was very quiet.
20. The hiker was careful to avoid the quagmire along the trail.

Understanding these patterns can help with both pronunciation and spelling. 

Worksheet:

(Qu worksheet)

Quiz of Qu Sound:

👇👇👇👇👇👇👇