Relatively few English words conclude with the “uh” sound, typically represented by the vowel combination ‘ough’. Though phonetically consistent, this spelling can be deceptive due to the numerous pronunciations of ‘ough’ in English orthography. Examples such as “rough” and “tough” demonstrate this specific pronunciation, differentiating them from words like “though” and “through.”
Understanding this particular sound-spelling relationship is crucial for accurate pronunciation and spelling. While not exceptionally common, these words appear frequently enough in everyday language to warrant attention. Mastery of their unique orthographic and phonetic characteristics contributes to overall language proficiency. Their existence highlights the complexities and irregularities within English pronunciation, offering a valuable case study in sound-spelling discrepancies.