In English, the letter C usually makes a hard /k/ sound (cat, cup), but it changes to a soft /s/ sound right before the letters E, I, or Y. This “soft C” rule comes from Latin and French influences and helps explain thousands of common words.

Here are over 100 everyday examples where C sounds exactly like S:

The pattern is reliable: before E, I, Y gives soft /s/. Before A, O, U or most consonants gives hard /k/.

Exceptions are rare (e.g., soccer keeps hard /k/ because of double C), but the rule covers most school and daily words.

Learning this helps with reading, spelling tests, and teaching kids phonics. Spot soft C next time you see words like city or dance, it makes English pronunciation much more predictable.