Pronunciation > Double letters > "CC" in English words

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"CC" in English words

By Alena Lien, 2 Oct 2018

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The letter "c" can be pronounced as either /k/ or /s/. 

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There are 2 distinct ways of pronouncing "cc" in English words. Usually this occurs in the middle of words.

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1.   /k/ (single /k/ sound)

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Letter groups that end with "a", "o" and "u" are pronounced this way. 

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• Occasion

• Broccoli 

• Accumulate

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Letter groups that end with a consonant are pronounced this way as well

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• Accrue

• Acclaimed

• Disaccharide

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2.   /kˈs/ (/k/ followed by /s/)

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Letter groups that end with "e" and "i" are pronounced this way.

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• Succeed

• Accent

• Vaccine

The letter group ending with "y" is also pronounced this way, although this is rare.

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• Coccyx

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Exceptions to this rule are certain words of Italian origin. "Cc" are pronounced as /tʃi/ here.

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• Cappuccino 

• Fettuccine

• Cacciatore

Although you can say "gnocchi" (/ˈnjɒk.i/) with a single k consonant sound. 

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