Which word contains the initial consonant cluster 'str'?

Which word contains the initial consonant cluster 'str'?

• A. Brown
• B. Straight
• C. Coat
• D. Lamp

Answer: (B)

An initial consonant cluster is when several consonants come together at the start of a word before the first vowel. The sequence “str” is a three-consonant cluster that you can hear at the very outset of the word straight, with /s/ /t/ /r/ all before the vowel sound. That makes it the word that starts with that exact cluster. Brown starts with /br/, a two-consonant cluster but not “str.” Coat begins with a single consonant sound /k/ before a vowel, not a cluster of consonants. Lamp starts with a single consonant /l/. So straight is the only one with the initial “str” cluster.

An initial consonant cluster is when several consonants come together at the start of a word before the first vowel. The sequence “str” is a three-consonant cluster that you can hear at the very outset of the word straight, with /s/ /t/ /r/ all before the vowel sound. That makes it the word that starts with that exact cluster.

Brown starts with /br/, a two-consonant cluster but not “str.” Coat begins with a single consonant sound /k/ before a vowel, not a cluster of consonants. Lamp starts with a single consonant /l/. So straight is the only one with the initial “str” cluster.