This example of a Spellzone 'Teaching Point' is from:

Unit 15 - Spelling the sound /ou/: ou, ow

Click on the ear to hear the sound.


    as in cloud

There are two ways of spelling the sound /ou/ :

ou and ow

There is one firm rule to help you:  Only two words use ou to spell this sound at the end of a word:

thou (old form of 'you')
miaou (sound made by a cat - also miaow)

All other words use ow to spell this sound at the end of a word.

Some helpful hints for other words:
In the middle of a word, it can be ou or ow but ou is the most common.
Before n and l, it is usually ow e.g. down, howl.
Before nd, use ou:  round, found.


This 'teaching point' is followed by word lists and practice exercises.

Close this window

Try Spellzone for free

"I have just subscribed and look forward to continuing to use Spellzone. I have been really impressed with the program during the trial period and the students gave very positive feedback. Many thanks."

Teacher, International School, Geneva