Why do the 2 Cs in CIRCUS sound different? Because in English, the letter C makes two sounds—and it depends on the letter that comes after it: 🔴 The first C in CIRCUS is followed by an I, so it makes the soft /s/ sound → /sir/ 🟠 The second C is followed by a U, so it makes the hard /k/ sound → /kus/ 👉 General rule: C E, I, or Y = /s/ (soft C) C A, O, U = /k/ (hard C) So CIRCUS = /sir-kus/ — both Cs are doing exactly what the rule says! ✨ Follow us for more easy phonics tips that help kids dec