Dig

Example Sentences with Dig

• Dig a hole.
• Dogs like to dig.
• The big and the dig both end with the same sound.
• Say "dig" slowly, then say it as one word.

How to Spell “dig”

Children most often write this word as idg, digg, diig. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.

1. Start with the picture: <strong>dig</strong> begins with the /d/ sound, so begin with "d".
2. Say the word slowly three times, then write one sound per letter: <strong>d - i - g</strong>.
3. The "i" in <strong>dig</strong> says /ɪ/, not the letter name "ih". The mouth stays relaxed.
4. Blend the last two sounds smoothly: <strong>di</strong> + <strong>g</strong> = <strong>dig</strong>.

Phonics Tip for Dig

"dig" and "big" and "pig" share the ending /ɪɡ/. Say them back to back so the child hears that only the first sound changes. That is the core of the -ig family.

Fun Facts About Dig

Every letter in <strong>dig</strong> carries one sound: d says /d/, i says /ɪ/, g says /ɡ/. That is what makes it fully decodable — a child who knows the three sounds can read <strong>dig</strong> on the first try, with no guessing from the picture. It belongs to the -ig family, which has 4 other words in it: big, pig, rig, wig.

Where to Practise Dig

• All short i CVC words — 52 words
• The -ig word family
• CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
• CVC multiple choice quiz
• CVC sentences — read the word in context
• CVC worksheets