ShortBossy R (er/ir/ur) word family
-ir Words
/ɜr/ — words that share the -ir pattern
The -ir family shares the exact same /ɜr/ sound as -er and -ur. On its own, ir has few short examples, but the pattern becomes very common once a final consonant is added, as in bird or shirt.
How the -ir family works
Keep the ending -ir 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
-ir 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 -ir word
Question 1 of 4
Now read the same words aloud and use one in a sentence.
Explore another familyMove into connected text
Read -ir words in sentences
1Stir the pot.
2Sir, please wait.
3A fir tree is green.
4The fan gave a whir.
5Stir it well, sir.
Ask the learner to underline the -ir word, decode it, and then reread the complete sentence naturally.
Spelling and pronunciation
Keep this family accurate
Ir, er, and ur all say the same sound, /ɜr/. There is no way to tell which spelling a word uses just by listening; it must be learned by sight.
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 stir, 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 -ir word lesson
The print layout keeps the reviewed word list, sentences, contrast, and practice routine while removing navigation and audio controls.