Soft "c" (pronounced like "s")
* Before "e," "i," or "y":
* Cent: /sent/
* City: /siti/
* Cycle: /saɪkəl/
* Face: /feɪs/
* Ocean: /oʊʃən/
* Recede: /rɪsiːd/
* Special: /ˈspeʃəl/
* Music: /ˈmjuːzɪk/
* Nice: /naɪs/
Hard "c" (pronounced like "k")
* Before "a," "o," "u," or a consonant:
* Cat: /kæt/
* Code: /koʊd/
* Cup: /kʌp/
* Cloud: /klaʊd/
* Crack: /kræk/
* Come: /kʌm/
* Car: /kɑːr/
Exceptions:
* There are a few words where the "c" is pronounced like "ch," such as "cello" /ˈtʃɛloʊ/ and "certain" /ˈsɜːrtn/.
Tips for remembering:
* The rule about "e," "i," and "y" is a good starting point, but there are exceptions!
* Think about the sound: If it sounds like "k," it's likely a hard "c." If it sounds like "s," it's likely a soft "c."
* If you're unsure, it's always helpful to check a dictionary!