ShortShort U word family
-up Words
/สp/ โ words that share the -up pattern
The -up family is small but contains several extremely common beginner words. Its final /p/ should be audible without an added vowel.
How the -up family works
Keep the ending -up together, then add or change the beginning sound. Read through the whole word from left to right instead of guessing from its first letter.
4 reviewed examples
-up word list
Begin with the shorter words. Add the second group only after blends and digraphs in those words have been taught.
Start here
After blends or digraphs
A speaker appears only where a reviewed recording is currently available. Every listed spelling has still been checked for the target pattern.
Listening check
Listen and choose the -up word
Question 1 of 4
Now read the same words aloud and use one in a sentence.
Explore another familyMove into connected text
Read -up words in sentences
1The pup is up.
2Put the cup on the rug.
3The pup ran up the hill.
4A hiccup made Sam jump.
5Fill the red cup.
Ask the learner to underline the -up word, decode it, and then reread the complete sentence naturally.
Spelling and pronunciation
Keep this family accurate
This family is intentionally short because English has few simple words ending in -up. Group and soup end in the letters up but use /uหp/, so they do not belong.
Five-minute routine
Practise without memorizing the list
Cover the list and reveal one word at a time. Say each sound, blend, then reread the word normally.
Build cup, then exchange its first sound to make another real word from this page.
Read one sentence, dictate one target word, and ask the learner to explain which letters spell the shared ending.
Ready-to-print practice
Print this -up word lesson
The print layout keeps the reviewed word list, sentences, contrast, and practice routine while removing navigation and audio controls.