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Which is greater in English, the number of phonemes or the number of letters in the alphabet?

  1. The number of letters in the alphabet

  2. They are equal

  3. The number of phonemes

  4. The number of vowels

The correct answer is: The number of phonemes

The correct answer is that the number of phonemes in English is greater than the number of letters in the alphabet. Phonemes are the distinct units of sound in a language that can differentiate meaning. English has approximately 44 phonemes, which include various vowel and consonant sounds. In contrast, the English alphabet consists of only 26 letters. This discrepancy highlights how multiple phonemes can be represented by single letters or combinations of letters in written English. Understanding this concept is crucial for readers and educators, as it impacts phonics instruction and the development of reading skills.