List of Common Silent T Words

Many words with silent “t” have -stle together at the end of the word. The phonetic spelling of each word helps you pronounce it properly.

Many words with silent “t” have -sten together at the end of the word.

The “t” is not pronounced in some words that have an “f” and a “t” side-by-side in the middle of the word.

*The word often is unique, as it can actually be properly pronounced with or without a silent “t,” based on the preference of the person who is speaking. When spoken with an audible “t,” the phonetic spelling would be off·ten.

Words that are French in origin and end with the letter “t” are examples of words where the final letter is not pronounced.

A few words in the English language that have a silent “t” don’t really follow any specific rules. For these words, the best option is simply to memorize how to properly pronounce them.

Some, but not all, of the silent “t” words listed can also be used in plural or past tense forms. For the ones that would be appropriate to use in plural or past tense, the “t” will remain silent when the word is adjusted to add the appropriate suffix (“s” or “es” for plural or “d” or “ed for past tense). For example, if someone is saying that they “listened to two songs,” the “t” in “listened” remains silent.

There aren’t many absolutes in English grammar. The same is true for pronunciation rules — really just general guidelines rather than rules— for how to tell if a “t” in a word should be pronounced or not. While the circumstances described above are examples of times that the “t” is usually silent, these guidelines do not always apply.

• There are terms that represent exceptions to one of the general rules. For example, the word tungsten has -sten at the end, yet the “t” is pronounced in that word.
• When you come across an unfamiliar word that appears to follow one of the silent “t” rules, check a dictionary for pronunciation to verify the correct way to say the word.

It may seem difficult to remember that “t” is sometimes spoken and sometimes silent. However, one of the main reasons the “t” is sometimes silent has to do with how difficult it would be to properly pronounce the word if the “t” needed to be enunciated. If it would be awkward to form the sound of the word if the “t” needed to be pronounced, chances are that’s a word where the “t” should (or can) be silent.

Practice your skills when it comes to recognizing words that have a silent “t.” Complete the practice questions, then check your answers below. Don’t peek at the answers until after you have answered the questions on your own.

From each pair of sentences, choose the option that includes a word with a silent “t:”

1. Which option contains a word with a “t” that is silent?

   a. Please attach this clip to my bag.

   b. Please fasten this clip to my bag.
   
   

2. Which option contains a word with a “t” that is silent?

   a. Don’t forget to make your home loan payment.

   b. Don’t forget to pay your mortgage.
   
   

3. Which option contains a word with a “t” that is silent?

   a. I must hasten to complete my homework.

   b. I must complete my homework hastily.
   
   

4. Which option contains a word with a “t” that should be pronounced?

   a. I thought something stirred in the bushes outside of my window.

   b. I thought something rustled in the bushes outside of my window.
   
   

5. Which option contains a word with a “t” that should be pronounced?

   a. That was a gourmet meal.

   b. That was a fantastic meal.

The correct answers are:

1. b
2. a
3. a
4. a
5. b

Knowing when to pronounce the “t” in a word versus when it is silent can be quite challenging. Now that you are aware of the general guidelines for making this distinction, consider exploring some other pronunciation difficulties. Start by reviewing the most often mispronounced words and phrases in English. This can help you increase your vocabulary as well as your pronunciation skills. Then you can explore another popular silent letter with words that end with a silent “e.” From there, dive even deeper to discover the answer to the question, "Is the S or the C silent in scent?"