net
/net/ UK /net/ · US /net/
A short e CVC word (ɛ) in the objects category. It belongs to the -et word family.
objectsHear net
Tap a sound to hear it on its own, or play the whole word below.
How to Say “net”
Blend the three sounds together slowly, then speed up: /n/ – /ɛ/ – /t/ → net.
Example Sentences with Net
- Catch fish with a net.
- Tennis net.
- Catch fish with a net.
- A spider made a web, not a net.
- The tennis net is white.
How to Spell “net”
Children most often write this word as net, nte, nett. Those errors are useful — each one points to a specific sound the child has not yet connected to a letter.
- The "e" is short /ɛ/, as in pen, hen and ten.
- A short vowel plus "t" means no silent e at the end.
- Blend the three sound boxes in order.
Phonics Tip for Net
"net", "wet", "pet", "get" and "let" share /ɛt/. Practise them in a set so the child hears the shared ending.
Fun Facts About Net
Nets have been used for fishing since prehistoric times. The oldest known nets, made from flax fibre and around 10,000 years old, were found in a cave in northern Europe.
More Words in the -et Family
Words that rhyme with net and end with the same sounds:
Related CVC Words
More words with the short e sound that have their own picture guide:
Other Word Families
Move between families:
Where to Practise Net
- All short e CVC words — 31 words
- The -et word family
- CVC flash cards — picture cards with audio
- CVC multiple choice quiz
- CVC sentences — read the word in context
- CVC worksheets