How can it be? How can such a small set of letters become SO confusing? The combination of ough will play tricks on even the most astute of writers. This little sneak will keep you on your toes for sure.
Here’s a good reminder:
- Cough rhymes with off
- Bough rhymes with ow
- Though rhymes with oh
- Thought rhymes with aw
- Through rhymes with ooo (as in you)
- Tough rhymes with uff
How can one set of letters have so many different pronunciations? It just does, that’s all! A novelist’s only defense is to study, learn, and remain ever diligent!
And spend money for a top-notch editor, of course! You may have seen my previous blog on professional edits. If not see it here.
(Oh and did I mention I’m a professional editor and novel critique consultant? Shame on me! Email me for details! normajean@beanovelist.com)
And with that I’ll take my bough and exit stage left! (smile)
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I trust the teaching and instruction given in this blog post was helpful in your goal to be a novelist. For more in-depth writer’s workshops, check out the wide variety offered at the 
Be A Novelist Website.
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