Rules for when to use a "c" or "k" for the initial /k/ sound.

Question

How do you know which letter to use for the initial /k/ sound in a word?

Answer 1

Always use c unless it is followed by the letters: i, e or y;

When c is followed by: e,i, or y it is pronounced /s/.

The same rule is used for when to know to pronounce a g as /j/. It g is followed by e, i or y it makes the /j/.

This rule is only for middle and initial positions in the syllables. Fina position is different.

Answer 2

If /k/ is the first sound in the word, most of the time you will use a 'c'. A 'c' is placed before an 'a','o', and 'u'. An example is 'cat' and 'cot'. We use the letter 'k' for the /k/ sound before letters 'e' and 'i'.An example is 'kite' and 'key'.