W Blend Words for Speech Therapy: Lists and Tips for Practice
Amanda Unrau CCC-SLP
01/27/25 | Last modified: 04/14/25
/W/ blends are a type of consonant cluster or consonant blend because they are formed of two or more consonants (e.g., “twist,” “swim,” “dwell”). As with any consonant blend, the tricky part of producing /w/ blends for some children is the ability to accurately produce both consonant sounds one after the other. This may lead a child to distort or replace one or both consonant sounds, or eliminate one of the consonants.
To help your child get started in their improvement of /w/ blends, we have created a comprehensive resource for practicing /w/ blend words. This resource includes lists of /w/-blend words, phrases, sentences, reading passages, and games. We also offer strategies to help you teach your child how to improve their production of /w/ blends. These lists can be used for practice at home and in speech therapy sessions.
Word lists: W Blends Words
If your child is struggling with their production of /w/ blends, start with /w/ blends in single words. It is important to practice with /w/ blends in different word positions. In this case /w/ blends can occur at the beginning or in the middle of words. We have included lists of several different types of /w/ blends: /tw/ words, /kw/ words, /sw/ words, and /dw/ words.
Some children also have difficulty producing the /w/ sound when not in blends. We have also created a guide for /w/ words here.
/tw/ words
| Initial /tw/ | Medial /tw/ |
| Twin | Between |
| Twist | Betwixt |
| Twirl | Untwist |
| Intertwine | |
| Tweed | |
| Twine | |
| Twentieth | |
| Twistable | |
| Twinkle | |
| Twix | |
| Twaddle | |
| Twenty | |
| Twitch | |
| Twang | |
| Twisted | |
| Tweaks | |
| Tweet | |
| Twitchy | |
| Twister |
/kw/ words
| Initial /kw/ | Medial /kw/ |
| Queen | Acquaintance |
| Quick | Equal |
| Quack | Aquatic |
| Quest | Equidistant |
| Quill | Squawk |
| Quip | Equator |
| Quota | Equilibrium |
| Quirk | Sequence |
| Quinine | Equalize |
| Quixotic | Acquaint |
| Quickest | Liquefy |
| Quenching | Squashed |
| Quiet | Liquefaction |
| Quiver | Sequester |
| Quake | Squelch |
| Quicksilver | Equality |
| Quickstep | Frequent |
| Quality | Aquamarine |
| Quark | Squirt |
| Quietly | Requisite |
| Quantify | Equestrian |
| Quotation | Clockwork |
| Quenched | |
| Question | |
| Quicksand | |
| Quiz | |
| Quicken |
/sw/ words
| Initial /sw/ |
| Swallow |
| Sweep |
| Sweet |
| Swim |
| Swing |
| Swap |
| Swift |
| Swarm |
| Swell |
| Swindle |
| Swatch |
| Sweeten |
| Switch |
| Swagger |
| Swig |
| Swish |
| Swoon |
| Swanky |
| Swine |
| Swathe |
| Swirl |
| Sway |
| Swarmed |
| Swiped |
| Swoop |
| Swear |
| Swerve |
| Swept |
| Sweaty |
| Swoosh |
| Swamp |
/dw/ words
| Initial /dw/ | Medial /dw/ |
| Dwell | Redwood |
| Dwarf | Edward |
| Dwindle | Worldwide |
| Dwelt | Midway |
| Dwelling | Sideways |
| Duane | Midwinter |
W Blend Word Lists by Syllables
As your child works on their articulation skills, they should practice /w/ blends in words containing various numbers of syllables so that they learn to produce /w/ blends in a variety of both simple and more challenging contexts.
This /w/ words list includes words with /w/ blends from one to five syllables. We have included lists for /w/ blends with different syllables in the initial and medial position of words.
Initial /w/ blends by syllables (/w/ blends at the beginning of words)
Thank you for clarifying! Here’s a table of 50 initial /w/ blend words where the blend is one of the following: /tw/, /dw/, /sw/, or /kw/. The words are categorized by syllable count, from one to five syllables, with no duplicates.
| One Syllable | Two Syllables | Three Syllables | Four Syllables |
| Twin | Twisted | Twistable | Twenty-seven |
| Twist | Twaddle | Twinkling | Questionable |
| Twill | Twenty | Twentieth | |
| Twine | Twitchy | Swallowing | |
| Twang | Twinkle | Sweetener | |
| Sweep | Swarming | Swaddling | |
| Swing | Swallow | Sweltering | |
| Swim | Sweeten | Sweet-talking | |
| Swirl | Swindle | Quarreling | |
| Switch | Sweating | Quick-thinking | |
| Queen | Quicken | Questioning | |
| Quick | Quicksand | Quicksilver | |
| Quit | Quiet | Quick-witted | |
| Quail | Quota | ||
| Dwell | Dwelling | ||
| Dwarf | Dwindle |
Medial /w/ blends by syllables (/w/ blends in the middle of words)
| One Syllable | Two Syllables | Three Syllables | Four Syllables | Five Syllables |
| Squirm | Between | Outwitted | Equidistant | Equilibrium |
| Squirt | Sideways | Intertwine | Prerequisite | |
| Squash | Midway | Squandering | Equestrian | |
| Squelch | Squirming | Midwinter | Aquamarine | |
| Squawk | Untwist | Acquaintance | Sequestering | |
| Clockwork | Quick-witted | |||
| Equine | Equator | |||
| Squabble | Equalize | |||
| Equal | Frequently | |||
| Liquidate | ||||
| Aquatic |
Further W Blend Word Practice: Short Phrases and Sentences
Following /w/ blends in words, children should then practice /w/ blend words in short phrases and sentences. As additional words are added and the phrases and sentences become longer, children gain confidence in their productions as they practice in more complex contexts.
These phrases and sentences can be used in the activities and games listed under that section of this resource. Begin with short phrases and then move on to sentences
Short Phrases with W Blends
Carrier phrases consisting of 2-4 words are perfect for bridging the gap between single words and full sentences. Carrier phrases are common phrases that provide additional practice for continued success of the target sound. These phrases are great because children are practicing /w/ blends as they improve their functional communication skills.
Below are some examples of carrier phrases:
- “You have the ____.”
- “I need a ____.”
- “That is a ____.”
- “Look at the ____.”
- “She has a ____.”
Continue practice of /w/ blends in short phrases by using the list below.
| Short Phrases: Initial /w/ Blends | Short Phrases: Medial /w/ Blends |
| Twin brothers | Between you and me |
| Twist the lid | Don’t be outwitted |
| Twinkle in your eye | Squandering time |
| Twirl around | Squirming in the seat |
| Swirling colors | Squashing the grapes |
| Go swimming | Squabbling over lunch |
| Sweets and treats | Like clockwork |
| Dwelling in peace | Equal amounts |
| Twill fabric | Equestrian rider |
| Twist of fate | Aquamarine sea |
| Quenching thirst | Near the equator |
| Dwindling resources | A new acquaintance |
| Quacking duck | Bleak midwinter |
| Swarming bees | Sequester yourself |
| Sweet-smelling roses | Aquatic center |
| Swishing through the grass | Untwist the leashes |
| Quick-witted friend | Meet midway |
| Visit the swamp | Go sideways |
| Be quiet | A petty squabble |
| Hot and sweaty | With frequency |
| Sink in quicksand | Meet the prerequisite |
Short Sentences with W Blends
Following success with /w/ blends in phrases, children can then move on to /w/ blends in short sentences. Use the list of /w/ blends in short sentences below for continued practice.
| Short Phrases: Initial /w/ Blends | Short Phrases: Medial /w/ Blends |
| The twin brothers are playing outside. | This conversation is between us. |
| I saw a twist in the plot of the movie. | He was squashing the ants underfoot. |
| The twinkle of the stars is beautiful tonight. | Squandering the opportunity was a mistake. |
| She gave the fabric a twirl before wearing it. | The toddler is squirming on the couch. |
| She wore a twilled dress to the party. | There is a long list of prerequisites. |
| The doors are swinging wide open. | We like to swim at the aquatic center. |
| She is swindling the coin collection. | Let’s visit the equestrian stables. |
| We need to sweep the floor tomorrow. | I wake up every morning at 7 like clockwork. |
| I’m swimming in the lake this weekend. | We moved to a country near the equator. |
| He is dwelling on the past mistakes. | Four quarters equals one dollar. |
| We will quench our thirst with cold water. | My favorite color is aquamarine. |
| My bank account is dwindling. | We get snow all midwinter long. |
| The leaves are swaying in the breeze. | We frequently visit my grandparents. |
| The swarming bees are a nuisance today | I walked sideways around the crowd. |
| The apples are swishing in the basket. | We untwisted the tangled ropes. |
| The house is dwelling in the peaceful valley. | They squabbled nonstop the entire drive. |
| The river is swirling around the rocks. | I met my friend midway to his house. |
| We need to sweep the porch later. | I sequestered myself in my office to work. |
W Blend Word Reading Practice
After children maintain accuracy in their production of /w/ blends in phrases and sentences, they should practice producing /w/ blends in reading passages. This is the next step for children moving towards generalization of /w/ blends across all speech settings. It can be helpful to preview the stories and underline or highlight the /w/ blend words. This helps your child to focus on those words as they read.
Practice /w/ blends in reading passages using the below short stories and paragraphs with /w/ blends in the initial and medial word position.
Toby’s Windy Adventure
One windy morning, Toby the rabbit and Wally the squirrel decided to go on an adventure. “Let’s follow the twisting trail!” Toby said excitedly. They hopped along the path, and the trees were swaying in the breeze. “Look at the leaves swirling in the wind!” said Wally, as he darted around them.
They reached a twisted log in the path. Toby jumped over it, and Wally followed, leaping high. “We’re so swift!” Toby laughed. They continued walking until they reached a small swamp, where swans swam gracefully on the water.
“Let’s explore the twinkling stream!” Toby said, pointing to the sparkling water. Wally swiped his paw in the water, and they both giggled. The wind was getting stronger, making the trees whistle and the leaves whisper.
Up ahead, they found a twisted tree with a secret dwelling under it. “Look, a bird family lives here!” Toby said. “This is a wonderful spot.”
As the wind blew, they made their way back home, happy and tired. “What a fun adventure!” said Wally. “I can’t wait to explore again!”
Wendy’s Sweet Adventure
One sunny afternoon, Wendy the bear was feeling a bit hungry. “I wish I had some sweet treats!” she thought, her tummy rumbling. “I know! Let’s go to the twisted candy shop down the road!” she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Wendy and her friend, Wally the raccoon, walked down the path. The air was warm and the breeze was swaying the trees gently. “I can already smell the candy!” Wally said, his nose twitching. “I hope we get to try some swirled lollipops!”
When they reached the shop, they saw the candy shelves, all filled with twinkling sweets. There were swedish fish, twisted caramel ropes, and even chocolate swans. “Everything looks so delicious!” Wendy said, jumping up and down.
They picked out their favorite treats and sat outside on a bench. Wendy unwrapped a swirled lollipop and took a big bite. “Yum! This is the sweetest lollipop I’ve ever tasted!” she said, smiling. Wally was busy munching on a twix bar. “I love these! They are the perfect mix of sweet and crunchy!” he said happily.
As they sat there enjoying their sweets, a whiff of fresh vanilla filled the air. “I think I can smell a new candy being made inside!” Wendy said. “Maybe we should come back tomorrow for more!” Wally agreed with a big swish of his tail.
By the end of the day, Wendy and Wally were full of delicious sweets and happy memories. “This was a swell adventure!” Wendy said. “I’ll dream of these sweets all night long!”
Wally and the Swarm of Bees
One warm morning, Wally the squirrel was playing in the garden when he noticed something unusual. A large swarm of bees was buzzing around the flowers. “Whoa! That’s a lot of bees!” Wally said, his ears twitching.
His best friend, Wendy the rabbit, hopped over. “What’s all the buzz about?” she asked, looking at the bees flying around. Wally pointed at the flowers. “They must be collecting pollen from the twisted petals,” he said. Wendy giggled. “I’ve never seen so many bees swarming in one place!”
They both carefully watched the bees as they worked. “They’re so swift,” Wendy said. “Look how quickly they move from flower to flower!” Wally nodded. “I think they’re making some sweet honey!”
As they sat quietly, Wally noticed a bee fly past them and swipe some pollen from a flower. “It’s amazing how they know what to do!” he said. Wendy agreed, watching the bees twinkle in the sunlight as they flitted around.
After a while, the swarm of bees began to move away. “I think they’re heading back to their hive,” Wally said, pointing to a big twisted tree nearby. Sure enough, the bees flew toward it, disappearing inside.
“That was a wonderful thing to see,” Wendy said, smiling. “I hope they make lots of honey!”
Games & Activities with W Blend Words
Continuing on the path toward generalization of /w/ blends into daily speech, the next step is to incorporate games and activities. Children are often more motivated to keep practicing their target sound when they are playing a game or engaged in a fun activity with you or other children.
Practice /w/ blends in the following games and activities. Encourage your child to begin to listen to their own speech so they start to self-monitor and correct their own errors.
/w/ Blend Word Search
This game is for children who can read. Make a word search puzzle with /w/ blend words hidden in the grid. Children can look for words like twist, swarm, quick, and swipe.
/w/ Blend Word Match
Create cards with words that have /w/ blends in the initial and medial positions (like twist, swish, swarm). Shuffle the cards and have kids match the words to pictures that represent them.
/w/ Blend Pictionary
Write down words that have /w/ blends and players must draw the word on a board or paper for others to guess. This can help with visualizing the blends.
/w/ Blend Word Sorting
Prepare a list of words with different /w/ blends. Have children sort the words into categories: /tw/, /sw/, /kw/, and /dw/. This will help them differentiate between the different blends.
What is a W Blend and How to Pronounce It?
Because consonant blends contain two unique consonant sounds, they can be especially challenging. In /w/ blends, children must accurately produce both the /w/ sound as well as the initial consonant sound in the blend.
When working on improving production of /w/ blends, first help your child accurately produce the /w/ sound before working on the entire blend. The /w/ sound is a voiced consonant, meaning that the vocal folds are vibrating during its production.
As an early developing sound, most children learn to produce /w/ by age 3. If your child is struggling to produce /w/ after this age, contact a speech language pathologist and practice with the lists in this guide.
Pronouncing the W Blend
When making the /w/ sound, pucker your lips into a round shape and elevate the back of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Then push air out through your vocal folds to produce the voiced sound.
How to Help Your Child Produce the W Blend Correctly
To help with the voicing aspect of /w/ blends, have your child feel your neck as you produce the /w/ sound so they feel the vibration of your vocal folds. To help with the placement of their lips, remind your child to look at your mouth, and practice blowing bubbles to encourage that pucker shape.
Using Forbrain to Practice W Blends
Forbrain can be added to your child’s speech therapy practice of /w/ blends. Forbrain is an auditory stimulation headset that uses bone conduction technology to improve speech skills. Since the headset provides immediate feedback, children can make adjustments to their speech and correct any errors as they hear them. This makes Forbrain a perfect addition to formal speech therapy or home practice.
With continued use, Forbrain can help to improve overall language skills and auditory discrimination. It also strengthens early literacy skills and enhances vocabulary development.
Final Words
Consistent practice is the best way for your child to improve their speech and articulation skills. Try to practice every day, even if only for a few minutes at a time. For children who struggle with /w/ blends, have them practice using this resource containing /w/ blends in words, phrases, sentences, short stories, games, and teaching tips.
For increased success and carryover, you don’t have to only practice /w/ in scheduled practice sessions.
You can easily incorporate regular practice into everyday activities. Emphasize the /w/ sound and /w/ blend words during shared book readings. Discuss and label household tasks and items, such as sweeping the floor or twisting the lid of the jam jar. Hearing accurate productions of /w/ blends also helps your child to improve their own speech.
Amanda Unrau
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