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Difficulty: MediumSilent Letters

Complete the statement by identifying the silent consonant letter present in each of the specified words.

Answer:In standard Received Pronunciation, the word 'sword' contains the silent consonant letter 【w】, whereas the word 'condemn' features the silent consonant letter 【n】.

Answer

The silent consonant letter in 'sword' is 'w', and the silent consonant letter in 'condemn' is 'n'.
In standard Received Pronunciation (RP), the word 'sword' is pronounced /sɔːd/, making the letter 'w' unarticulated (silent). In the word 'condemn', pronounced /kənˈdɛm/, the final letter 'n' in the '-mn' sequence is silent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the phonetic transcription of the first target word 'sword'.
The phonetic transcription is /sɔːd/. The letter 'w' is unarticulated/silent.
In standard English pronunciation, the consonant letter 'w' following 's' in 'sword' is not pronounced.
2
Analyze the phonetic transcription of the second target word 'condemn'.
The phonetic transcription is /kənˈdɛm/. The terminal letter 'n' is unarticulated/silent.
When the letter combination '-mn' occurs at the end of a root word in English phonology, the final letter 'n' remains silent.

Key Concept

Identification of silent consonants in English words
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Silent Letters

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