Sounds at the end of words

This guide is about the last sound in a word, like the t in cat or the s in bus. Young children often leave it off, so cat sounds like ca. At any age, you can say the whole word back in your own talk.

The ideas below fit into play, jobs around the house and trips out. The word lists are for English. You can use the same ideas in any language.

When children learn this

Many young children leave off end sounds. This usually stops by a little after 3.
Children learn sounds at different ages. Many say a sound in short words before they can say it in long words.

Common mix-ups

Many young children say 'ca' for 'cat' or 'bu' for 'bus'. If your child still leaves off many end sounds after about 3 and a half, mention it to the speech pathologist or your GP.

Try this

While you play

Play with a toy bus. Drive it around the room and stop to pick up toys.

Your child: Bu go!
You: The bus goes. Beep beep, the bus is off.

Around the house

At bath time, talk about the toys floating in the water.

Your child: My boa!
You: Your boat. Your boat is floating next to the duck.

When you go out

On a walk, stop and talk about the animals you see.

Your child: A ca!
You: A cat. A black cat, sitting on the fence.

Words to use in your talk

Use these words in your own talk. Your child does not have to say them.

t

Easier words: cat, wet, eat, feet, gate

Harder words: carrot, rabbit, helmet, pocket, robot

k

Easier words: book, duck, bike, neck, hook

Harder words: truck, sock, snake, lake, magic

n

Easier words: bun, pen, moon, bone, fan

Harder words: lemon, chicken, rain, spoon, balloon

Why it helps

When you say the whole word, end sound and all, in your own talk, your child hears how end sounds are used. Your child does not have to say the words after you or copy you.

When to get help

Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child says the same word a different way each time.
Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child uses one sound in place of many different sounds.
Tell the speech pathologist or your GP if your child is 4 or older and people who do not know them cannot understand much of what they say.

Safety and when to act

If your child stops using words or skills they had, or you have new worries, see your GP. Do not wait.
If your child is 3 or older and people who know them well understand very little of what they say, or your child is 2 or older and not putting two or more words together, see your GP or child health nurse for advice.
Hearing problems can affect talking. Ask your GP about a hearing test, especially after a lot of ear infections.
If your child stutters, contact a speech pathologist. Give your child time to finish. Do not use word lists or sound games with a child who stutters unless your speech pathologist says so.
Tell your GP if your child often coughs, chokes or gags when eating or drinking, has wet or gurgly breathing, keeps getting chest infections, or is losing weight. If food is stuck and your child cannot swallow, go to the nearest emergency department. If it is hard for them to breathe, call 000 and ask for an ambulance. If your child is choking and cannot cough or make a sound, start first aid and call 000.
Do not ask your child to say a word again and again. They may get frustrated.
You can do these ideas in any language. Learning more than one language does not cause talking problems.
These ideas do not replace a speech pathologist. Stay on the waitlist.

More help

Sources

Last checked 12 October 2026

Sounds at the end of words