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Can one grapheme represent more than one sound?
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Can one grapheme represent more than one sound?
Sound Waves 22/7/17
Please note: A new and improved Sound Waves Years 3–6 program is on its way for use in 2027! Information in our professional learning articles may differ in the updated edition.
Yes! One grapheme (letter) can represent more than one sound – here are some examples:
The grapheme x can represent the blend of two sounds, 
as in fox – 
. It is included in both and Sound Units.
The letters u, u_e, ue, eau, ew are sometimes classed as single graphemes that can all represent the blend of two sounds, 
, for example music 
.
This blend is studied in both the and Sound Units. If you are not sure if a 
blend is present in a word, say the word aloud with the sound only, for example music .