ShortLong E word family
-ete Words
/iหt/ โ words that share the -ete pattern
True long-e CVCe words are rare in English; most long-e words use a vowel team such as ee or ea instead of a silent final e. This small family, built around the name Pete and words such as compete and delete, is worth teaching once those more common patterns are secure.
How the -ete family works
Keep the ending -ete together, then add or change the beginning sound. Read through the whole word from left to right instead of guessing from its first letter.
6 reviewed examples
-ete 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 -ete word
Question 1 of 5
Now read the same words aloud and use one in a sentence.
Explore another familyMove into connected text
Read -ete words in sentences
1Pete will compete today.
2Delete the old file.
3The team is complete.
4An athlete trains often.
5The path is made of concrete.
Ask the learner to underline the -ete word, decode it, and then reread the complete sentence naturally.
Spelling and pronunciation
Keep this family accurate
Long e is usually spelled with a vowel team such as ee (see) or ea (eat), not with a silent final e. This family covers the smaller set of real exceptions.
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 Pete, 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 -ete word lesson
The print layout keeps the reviewed word list, sentences, contrast, and practice routine while removing navigation and audio controls.