We’ve adopted sounds from many different languages. Have you noticed that when a spelling bee is televised, the contestants frequently ask what language the word originates from? That gives them clues to the spelling of the word. For instance:
Greek
In Greek, ch makes the /k/ sound. Here are some examples: Christ, Christmas, school, chemistry, stomach, ache, anchor, orchid, chorus, and echo.
What makes the /f/ sound is ph. Examples: phonics, photograph, prophet, phony, graphic, alphabet, phrase, orphan, dolphin, and telephone.
French
In French, ch makes the /sh/ sound. Here are some examples: machine, chef, mustache, parachute, pistachio, chivalry, chandelier, Michigan, and crochet.
What makes the /k/ sound is qu. Examples: bouquet, croquet, mosquito, antique, turquoise, liquor, conquer, and critique.
When you hear the long a sound, and you know the word is of French origin, you’d know to spell it with et or an accented e ( é ). Examples:
croquet, bouquet – also notice the qu saying /k/
crochet. ricochet – also notice the ch saying /sh/
ballet, beret, valet, filet, gourmet, and sorbet
cliché – also notice the ch saying /sh/
café, sauté, resumé, and fiancé
Latin
In Latin, sc says /s/. Here are some examples: disciple, scene, scepter, fascinate, adolescent, crescent, descend, and miscellaneous.
Also, du or di make the /j/ sound. Examples: educate, graduate, gradual, individual, pendulum, cordial, and soldier.
My program covers all of those spellings under the sound being covered: for example /k/, /f/, /sh/, /s/, and /j/. These are all in the Consonants chapter.