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Spelling: w and wh
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Spelling: w and wh

Learn when w is silent and how wh works in 11 Plus English. Spot exceptions and choose correct spellings in questions and everyday words.

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Fascinating Fact:

In who, whose, whom, and whole, the w is silent. Say hoo, hoze, hoom, and hole, even though you still spell them with wh.

In 11 Plus English, wh can represent different sounds. Most wh words sound like w in what, but a few keep only an h sound, like who and whole. Knowing these patterns improves accurate spelling.

Key Terms

  • Silent letter: A letter that is written but not pronounced, for example the w in who.
  • Digraph: Two letters that represent one sound, such as wh, sh, or ch.
  • Question words: Common wh words used to ask questions, like what, when, where, which, and why.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

When is the w silent in wh words?

The w is silent in a small group including who, whom, whose, and whole. Most other wh words keep a clear w sound, like what and whale.

How do I choose between w and wh at the start of a word?

Question starters usually use wh (what, which, where). Compare pairs such as which vs witch to remember the spelling pattern.

Do accents change how wh is pronounced?

Some speakers pronounce wh slightly differently in pairs like which/witch, but the spellings are the same for everyone.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
when?
why?
whitch (somebody with magic powers)
what?
The spelling should be 'witch'
2 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
whiskey (an alcoholic drink)
whack (to hit with a loud sharp blow)
weat (grass with edible grain)
werewolf (somebody who can change into a wolf)
The spelling should be 'wheat'
3 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
whose?
weel (a rotating round part)
who?
whom?
The spelling should be 'wheel'
4 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
warf (a docking place for ships)
whetstone (a stone used for sharpening tools and weapons)
weather (the condition of the atmosphere)
whist (a card game)
The spelling should be 'wharf'
5 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
wasp (an insect)
warp (to get twisted)
whiff (slight or brief smell)
wheak (not strong or fit)
The spelling should be 'weak'
6 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
whisper (to speak very quietly)
wish (desire)
were (past tense of verb 'be')
whealth (a great amount of money)
The spelling should be 'wealth'
7 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
which?
why?
when?
wayer?
The spelling should be 'where'
8 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
when?
where?
which?
whoose?
The spelling should be 'whose'
9 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
whim (a sudden thought or idea)
wale (a big marine mammal)
whine (to make a high-pitched sorrowful sound)
wine (an alcoholic drink made from grapes)
The spelling should be 'whale'
10 .
Which one of the following words has been spelt wrongly?
whip (to lash somebody or something)
welk (a marine mollusc: a sea creature)
wear (to clothe)
weave (to make cloth)
The spelling should be 'whelk'
Author:  Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)
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