Ey

eɪ

they /ðeɪ/

iː

key /kiː/

The letter combination "ey" has several different pronunciations. This article sets out some common words teachers can use to help their students become more aware of the differences.

• As /eɪ/: convey - grey ^BrE - greyhound - obey - survey - they
• As /iː/ or /ɪ/: chimney - donkey - Geoffrey - hockey - honey - Jeffrey - journey - money - Shirley, storey^BrE - turkey - valley - volleyball
• As /iː/: geyser^BrE - key - keyboard
• As /aɪ/: eye - geyser^AmE
• As /eə/: they’re

As two separate sounds:

• /ɪj/: beyond

Silent e:

• graveyard - vineyard