Which type of words are identified as irregular?

The identification of irregular words centers around how their spelling and pronunciation do not align with typical phonetic rules. Such words often defy the standard conventions of letter-sound correspondence, making them challenging for learners. Examples of irregular words include "through," "cough," and "enough," where the expected pronunciation based on spelling does not apply.

Irregular words are vital in early literacy because they often appear in high-frequency texts and can pose difficulties for readers who rely solely on phonetic decoding strategies. Recognizing these words as irregular helps educators tailor instruction to improve reading fluency and comprehension.