Th Word Lists for Teaching Reading and Spelling

Learning the ‘th’ digraph is a key milestone in early literacy.

Unlike many other digraphs, ‘th’ represents two different sounds—the voiced /th/ (as in this) and the unvoiced /th/ (as in thin).

This can make it tricky for young learners, but with the right approach, children can master both reading and spelling ‘th’ words with confidence.

This guide will help you teach the ‘th’ sound effectively, with practical strategies and a comprehensive word list to support learning at home or in the classroom.

Th Word Lists for Teaching Reading and Spelling

The ‘th’ digraph is one of the most important—and sometimes confusing—phonics patterns children learn in early reading and spelling.

Unlike many other letter combinations, ‘th’ represents two distinct sounds, which means children must learn to hear, read, and apply both accurately.

With the right teaching approach, this digraph becomes much easier to understand and use.

Let’s jump in and explore practical strategies to support both reading and spelling development, along with carefully organised word lists to help children build confidence step by step.

Whether you’re a parent or teacher, this resource is designed to make teaching ‘th’ simple, effective, and engaging.

Free Printable Placemat

What Is the ‘th’ Digraph?

A digraph is when two letters work together to make one sound. The ‘th’ digraph can make two sounds:

• Unvoiced /th/ (no voice): thin, bath
• Voiced /th/ (uses your voice): this, mother

Helping children hear and feel the difference (placing a hand on their throat) is a powerful first step in both reading and spelling.

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What Age Is the ‘th’ Sound Mastered?

Most children begin learning the ‘th’ digraph between ages 5–7, typically during early phonics instruction.

• Ages 4–5: Exposure through listening and simple words
• Ages 5–6: Begin reading and spelling simple ‘th’ words
• Ages 6–7: Increased accuracy in both voiced and unvoiced ‘th’
• Age 7+: Mastery in reading and spelling more complex words

Keep in mind that mastering the two different sounds of ‘th’ may take additional time and practice.

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How to Teach ‘th’ for Reading and Spelling

1. Teach the Two Sounds Explicitly

Show children both:

• Thin (quiet sound)
• This (buzzing sound)

Let them practise switching between the two.

2. Use Visual and Physical Cues

Encourage children to:

• Watch their tongue placement (between teeth)
• Feel vibration for voiced /th/

3. Start With Simple Words

Use short, decodable words before moving to longer ones.

4. Segment for Spelling

Break words into sounds:

• thin → /th/ /i/ /n/
• bath → /b/ /a/ /th/

5. Read and Write Daily

Repetition through reading and spelling builds automaticity.

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Beginner ‘th’ Words (Early Readers)

thin
that
this
them
then
than
the
bath
math
with
path
moth
both
teeth
tooth
thud
thick
thing
thank
think

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Words Starting With ‘th’

the
this
that
then
than
them
they
these
those
their
there
three
throw
through
thick
thin
thing
think
thank
thorn
thumb
thud
thump
thrive
thread
throat
throne
thief
thirst
thirty
thirteen
thousand
thought
though
thus
thermostat
thermal
theatre
theme
theory
thunder
thistle
thaw
throb
thrill
thrash
threat
thrive
thruster
thrift
throne

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Words Ending With ‘th’

bath
math
path
with
moth
both
teeth
tooth
cloth
earth
north
south
truth
faith
health
wealth
stealth
filth
sixth
tenth
width
depth
warmth
length
strength
growth
birth
death
breath
smooth
booth
youth

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Full List of 270 ‘th’ Words

the
this
that
then
than
them
they
these
those
their
there
three
throw
through
thick
thin
thing
think
thank
thorn
thumb
thud
thump
thrive
thread
throat
throne
thief
thirst
thirty
thirteen
thousand
thought
though
thus
thermostat
thermal
theatre
theme
theory
thunder
thistle
thaw
throb
thrill
thrash
threat
thrive
thruster
thrift
throne
bath
math
path
with
moth
both
teeth
tooth
cloth
earth
north
south
truth
faith
health
wealth
stealth
filth
sixth
tenth
width
depth
warmth
length
strength
growth
birth
death
breath
smooth
booth
youth
father
mother
brother
another
weather
feather
leather
together
whether
rather
other
bother
further
author
either
neither
gather
lather
blather
slither
thicker
thinner
thinking
thanking
throwing
thudding
thumping
threading
threaten
thriving
thrilled
thrashing
thoughtful
thoughtless
thorough
thoroughly
thunderstorm
thundercloud
thunderbolt
thimble
thistle
thrasher
thespian
thermal
thermometer
thermostat
therapy
theology
theoretical
theorist
thief
thievery
thirsty
thirstier
thirstiest
thirteen
thirtieth
thousandth
thankful
thankless
thoughtful
thoughtfully
thoughtless
thoughtlessly
thinly
thickly
thickness
thinness
thrill
thriller
thrilling
thrived
thrives
thriving
thrash
thrashed
thrashing
threat
threaten
threatened
threatening
thread
threaded
threading
throne
throned
throning
thrust
thrusting
thundered
thundering
thunderous
thunderously
thawing
thawed
throbbing
throbbed
throaty
throatier
throatiest
thoughts
thinker
thinking
thinkers
thanksgiving
thankfully
thankfulness
thimbleful
thistleweed
thunderhead
thunderstrike
thunderroll
thunderclap
thundercrack
thunderflash
thunderblast
thunderpeal
thunderburst
thunderwave
thunderdrum
thunderboom
thunderwhack
thunderbang
thunderroar
thundercry
thunderstrike

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CVC at Home Reading & Spelling Program

Tips for Supporting Spelling Success

• Encourage sound-by-sound spelling, not guessing
• Practise minimal pairs (thin vs then)
• Use dictation sentences with ‘th’ words
• Revisit tricky words regularly

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Th Word Lists for Teaching Reading and Spelling

The ‘th’ digraph is an important step in building strong reading and spelling skills.

Because it represents two sounds, children benefit from explicit teaching, repeated practice, and meaningful reading opportunities.

With consistent exposure and the right strategies, learners will not only recognise ‘th’ in words—they’ll confidently use it in their own writing too.