Missing letter game online
The word shows up big, with a piece missing. Pick the vowel, the consonant or the pair of letters that completes it from four buttons. Each round has 10 words, and a wrong pick never ends the game.
How does a missing letter game work?
In a missing letter game, a word appears on the screen with one letter missing. The player picks the letter that completes the word from four choices. On the easy level a vowel is missing; on medium, a consonant; on hard, two letters in a row. Each round has 10 words from one theme, such as animals or food.
How to play
- Pick the level, the theme and the mode with the buttons next to the stage.
- Read the word slowly. The dashed box with the question mark shows where the letter is missing.
- Tap one of the four choices. On a computer, type the letter or use the keys 1 to 4.
- Got it? The full word appears and the letter turns green, with a check mark. Tap Next word.
- Not that one? The choice is crossed out and you try another. A wrong pick never ends the round.
- A round has 10 words. At the end, the game shows how many you got on the first try.
Levels, themes and modes
- Easy, the vowel game: one vowel is missing (A, E, I, O or U).
- Medium: one consonant is missing.
- Hard: two letters in a row are missing, a consonant and a vowel. They often form a syllable of the word.
- Themes: animals, food, home, school and nature. The theme sits above the word and works as a clue.
- Relaxed mode: no clock. Timed mode: a stopwatch counts the time of the round, but nobody loses for being slow.
- Your best result for each level is saved on your device.
Tips to play better
- Read the word out loud and try each choice in the empty spot. Your ear helps you find the right one.
- Think about the theme. If the theme is animals, the word is the name of an animal.
- On the hard level, clap your hands to split the word into syllables.
- With a child who is learning to read, start with the easy level and the theme the child likes best.
- After a correct answer, ask the child to read the whole word and say another word with the same letter.
- Save the timed mode for when the relaxed mode already feels easy.
Who this game is for
It is an early reading game for children who are learning letters and sounds, ideally with an adult by their side. It is also a pleasant activity for adults and seniors who like to exercise their attention with words.
The letters are large and every word appears in capital letters. Teachers can project the game and play with the whole class, one word at a time.
Frequently asked questions
What is a missing vowel game?
It is the easy level of this game. The word appears with one vowel missing, and the player picks the vowel that completes the word from four vowels.
Is this game good for children learning to read?
Yes. The easy level works on vowels, the medium level on consonants and the hard level on pairs of letters. It works best when an adult plays along and each word is read out loud.
What happens when I pick the wrong letter?
The wrong choice is crossed out and you try again, without losing the round. The word just does not count toward your first-try score.
Does the game use American spelling?
Yes. The English word list uses common American English words and spelling, such as cookie, faucet, backpack and yogurt.
Can I play in Portuguese or Spanish?
Yes. Switch the language of the site and the game uses words of that language, with the same themes.
Do I need to install anything or sign up?
No. The game opens in the browser on a phone, a tablet or a computer. It is free and needs no sign-up.
See also
Alphabetical order
Put letters and words in alphabetical order.
Word scramble
Unscramble the letters and make the word.
Hangman
Guess the word before the balloons pop.
Word of the day
One new word a day. Find it in 6 tries.
Word search
Drag your finger and find the words hidden in the grid.