Learn: Short a words
Learn to spell the words in this spelling list with the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check activity.
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Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check
How to use:
Look and read the word.
Say the word. Click the speaker icon.
Cover the word.
Write the word.
Check your spelling.
absent
active
actor
album
animal
atlas
bandit
camel
dagger
factory
hammer
ladder
magnify
panic
rabbit
saddle
January
About this word list ▼
About this word list ▲
The short /a/ sound is pronounced like the a in cat or hat. This sound can be found in many common words, making it a key building block for reading and spelling. Recognising and practising short a words helps improve your vocabulary and enhances your understanding of how words are formed.
Some examples of short a words include bat, man, pan, and sad. Each of these words features the short /a/ sound at its core. When you say these words, pay attention to how your mouth moves. Notice how your mouth opens slightly, creating that distinctive short /a/ sound. You can practise saying these words out loud, focusing on enunciating the a clearly.
Learning short a words is important because they appear frequently in both spoken and written English. By becoming familiar with this sound, you’ll be more confident as a reader and writer.
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
Learn more in Unit 6. Short vowels e.g. e or ea? o or u?