What words start with a short U sound?

You're asking for words that start with the short "u" sound, as in "cup" or "sun." It's tricky to pinpoint exact spelling patterns for this sound because English pronunciation is complex.

However, here are some common spellings that often make the short "u" sound at the beginning of a word:

* u - under, up, use

* ou - out, outside, outlandish

* o - on, off, one

* a - against, again, about

Keep in mind:

* There are exceptions to these patterns.

* The spelling often depends on the origin of the word.

* The short "u" sound can be influenced by neighboring letters and sounds.

It's helpful to think of words with similar sounds and compare their spellings.