/SH/ vs /CH/ Exceptions

Struggling to figure out when to use “SH” vs. “CH” in English pronunciation? In this video, we’ll simplify it for you by focusing on those tricky exceptions to the rule. You’ll learn how to navigate common pitfalls and correctly pronounce words where these sounds appear. Perfect for learners who want to polish their pronunciation and speak with confidence. Don’t miss out—like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more English language tips!

Pronunciation

Practice how to pronounce /SH/ vs /CH/.

Transcript

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Introduction:

• Host: Hello and welcome to the English Magnet. Today’s video: SH vs CH Exceptions Made Easy! Typically, one letter corresponds to one sound, but this isn’t always true! Often, two letters combine to represent a single sound, like “SH” /ʃ/ for the shushing heard in every library; SHHH quiet!) and “CH” /tʃ/ (like the sound of a steam engine CHOO CHOO!). So in this video, we’ll focus on these sounds and their various spelling patterns. Even though these sounds are relatively simple, identifying the different spellings is crucial for mastering English. So, we’ll especially pay attention to the numerous exceptions! Let’s get to it!

Part 1: /SH/ sound

The /sh/ sound in English can be represented by several different spelling patterns. So the same sound, different spellings! Here are some common ones:

1. sh: The most direct and common representation of the /sh/ sound. It’s found in  the beginning, in the middle or at the end of words.
   • Examples: shoe, wish, shine, cushion. 
2. ch: Occasionally, this pattern represents the /sh/ sound, especially in words derived from French.
   • Examples: machine, chef, mustache, parachute, brochure 
3. ti: When followed by a vowel, this pattern can produce the /sh/ sound. It’s very common in the -tion ending.
   • Examples: nation, station, partial, patient, fraction
4. ci: Similarly, this pattern produces the /sh/ sound when followed by a vowel.
   • Examples: special, official, precious, artificial, physician
5. ssi: This pattern can also represent the /sh/ sound, often in -ssion endings.
   • Examples: mission, passion, discussion, expression, aggression
6. Exceptions: You can also encounter very odd spellings which still give the /sh/ sound:
   • CE: Examples: ocean, crustacean 
   • CHS: Example: fuchsia
   • SC: Example: crescendo
   • SS: Examples: tissue, issue, pressure
   • SE: Example: nauseous 
   • I: Examples: anxious, noxious (note the pattern -xious) 
   • S: Examples: sugar, sure, insurance

Finally, watch out for words that don’t have the /sh/ sound, but do have the “SH” spelling. These are usually a prefix merging with a root word but the “SH” letters are part of different syllables like in mishandle (mis-handle) or dishonor (dis-honor). It’s just a coincidence that the prefix ends in -s and the root word begins with -h, but no /sh/ sound here! 

Part 2: /CH/ sound

The /ch/ sound in English can be represented by several different spelling patterns. Again the same sound, different spellings! Let’s look at them:

1. ch: The most direct and common representation of the /ch/ sound. It’s found at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of words. 

• Examples: church, cheese, much, nachos 

2. tch: Sometimes, this pattern represents the /ch/ sound, especially at the end of words or the middle, but never in the beginning.

• Examples: match, kitchen, stitch 

3. t: Often in the ending -ture, -tue or -tual t sounds like /ch/. 

• Examples: nature, infrastructure, picture
• statue, virtue 
• punctual, mutual, eventually
• century and fortune (they’ve got their own thing going)

4. c or cc: In some words from Italian

• Examples: cello, cappuccino, ciabatta, ciao 
• BUT pistachio, which is Italian, follows the French word rule, so /sh/ sound!

5. t in (s+tion):  (normally -tion endings result in /sh/ but the s before the ending changes it to /ch/. 

Examples: question, suggestion, combustion

Last but not least, watch out for words that don’t have the /ch/ sound, but do have the “CH” spelling. As we saw earlier, French words are your usual suspects like champagne or charade which have the /sh/ sound. Moreover, words of Greek origin tend to sound “CH” like /k/ such as school, architect and echo. To add to the confusion, sometimes “CH” is silent like in yacht. 

Wrap up

• Host: So, there you have it! SH and CH in all their spelling glory! Keep the patterns in mind next time you’re reading and feel free to add an exception we haven’t included in the comments below! Hopefully, this has been helpful. A link to some free material to practice by yourselves can be found in the description below. Keep practicing, and you’ll get the hang of it. Thank you for watching. Until next time!