Split digraph sound (magic e)

The split digraph sound – also known as magic e – is slightly different to other digraphs because the letters aren’t next to each other within a word.

Instead, the e is at the end of the word, which then changes the way the word is pronounced. In words with a split digraph the first vowel becomes a long sound, rather than a short sound

For example, the letter u in cut is a short vowel sound. If you add an e to the end to make the word cute, the letter u is pronounced as a long sound. 

Examples of split digraph words

Some magic e words include:

• Cute
• Home
• Plate
• Cake
• Make
• Date
• Globe
• Bike
• Time
• Slime
• Drive
• Use

Video lesson for split digraphs

Phonics teaching resources