ShortLong U word family
-use Words
/juːz/ or /juːs/ — words that share the -use pattern
The -use family teaches an important extra lesson: the same spelling, use, is pronounced /juːz/ as a verb (to use something) and /juːs/ as a noun (of no use), even though the letters never change.
How the -use family works
Keep the ending -use together, then add or change the beginning sound. Read through the whole word from left to right instead of guessing from its first letter.
5 reviewed examples
-use 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 -use word
Question 1 of 5
Now read the same words aloud and use one in a sentence.
Explore another familyMove into connected text
Read -use words in sentences
1I use the tool with care.
2The fuse is old.
3Do not confuse the two.
4She had a good excuse.
5He will refuse the offer.
Ask the learner to underline the -use word, decode it, and then reread the complete sentence naturally.
Spelling and pronunciation
Keep this family accurate
Keep the final e silent. Notice that use changes its own sound, /juːz/ or /juːs/, depending on whether it is a verb or a noun.
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 fuse, 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 -use word lesson
The print layout keeps the reviewed word list, sentences, contrast, and practice routine while removing navigation and audio controls.