Decoding exercises: "yr"

The letter combination "yr" has several different pronunciations, mainly /ɜːr/ and /ɪr/. This article sets out some words teachers can use to help their students become more aware of the differences.


 * /ɜː/: myrtle - myrrh
 * /ɪ/: lyrics - myriad - pyramid - syringe - Syria - syrup - tyranny
 * /ə/: martyr
 * /aɪ/: gyrate - thyroid - tyrant
 * Sequence /aɪə/: lyre -

Two different syllables

 * /iː/: copyright