Word Lab
tch · ch
Usage — not pronunciation
intermediateGeneralSpanishArabicMandarin
The rule
Short vowel + /tʃ/ → usually 'tch' (catch, witch), unless it's a memorized exception (much, such, rich, which, touch). After a consonant or long vowel → 'ch' only (bench, teach).
Write "tch" — short vowel + /tʃ/
catchmatchwatchfetchkitchenwitchhutchitchbutcher
"ch" after a consonant (n, l, r)
benchlunchpunchbelchmarchchurchsearchperch
"ch" after a long vowel or diphthong
teachreachcoachbeachpoucheach
"ch" exceptions — short vowel but no "t" (memorize)
muchsuchrichwhichtouchsandwichostrichattachdetach
Memory aids
- · Group by rhyme: much / such / touch
- · Group by rhyme: rich / which
- · Opposite pair, learn together: attach / detach
- · Odd ones out, just memorize: sandwich / ostrich
- · Mnemonic: "So much touch — which rich ostrich will attach the sandwich, then detach it, such a mess!"
See this rule in action: witch · which →
How teachers explain this
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