0
The reason we use "qu" relates to Latin, but also to the Norman French, who conquered England in 1066. In addition to ruling the land, they also changed the spelling of English to suit them better. Previously, "kw" sounds were not spelled with "qu"; in fact, most of them were actually spelled "cw". (For example, the word queen was often spelled "cwén"). Since the letter "w" is essentially an invention of the Germanic language speakers, the Normans found it confusing and barbaric. In addition, though, many words with "qu" are loan words from French or Latin anyway, so the spelling was inherited along with it. Also, it's worth mentioning that even within English, "qu" represents many different sounds; for example "kw", "k" (as in plaque), etc.
As for why q is always written with a u in Latin itself, I'm not exactly sure. The "u" part is actually the easiest to understand, as its pronunciation approximates the glide sound that "w" represents in the "kw" cluster. What's harder to understand is why Latin chose to have 2 separate symbols for the "k" sound (the other is c; they never used "k"). It's also amusing that English adopted all 3 symbols (q, c, and k). One of those accidents of history, I guess.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Words with q at the end?
No English words end in Q, since Q is always followed by U.
What is a seven letter word containing the letters l m n o q y and t?
There is no seven letter word that can be made from those letters. Most English words that are spelled with a 'q' require a 'u' to follow it.
Is q a vowel?
NO!! the vowels are A,I,O,E,U and sometimes Y is used as a vowel too.
Animals beginning with the letters Q U X and Y?
Q Quail U Ulysses Butterfly X X-Ray Tetra (fish) Y Yellow Jacket
Can you unscramble the letters r a k u q?
Quark
Why is Q always followed by a U?
its because of phonetics q always contains the sound of u. q isn't a full consonant it takes u with it. so while making words q is always accompanied by u
Does U always follow Q in the english language?
Most words which contain a Q that is not followed by a U are words that have been adopted into English from other languages. These thirty-nine examples are taken from the TWL (the Scrabble dictionary):buqshabuqshasburqaburqasfaqirfaqirsmbaqangambaqangasqabalaqabalahqabalahsqabalasqadiqadisqaidqaidsqanatqanatsqatqatsqiqindarqindarkaqindarsqintarqintarsqisqiviutqiviutsqophqophsqwertyqwertyssheqalimsheqelsheqelssuqstranqsumiaqs
Is it true that a ''Q'' always has a ''U'' after it?
No, Q does not always have a U after it. However, the words in which Q is followed by another letter are often of non-English origin, such as the countries Qatar or Iraq, or the Chinese name Qi. StudyStudent: Yes but in English terms 'u' always follows 'q'.
Why is U sometimes a consonant?
In English, the letter "U" is considered a consonant when it is pronounced as the "y" sound in words like "unify" or "university." This happens when "U" is followed by a vowel, making it act as a consonant in those cases.
Why does there always need to be the letter U after Q?
There doesn't.
Words with q at the end?
No English words end in Q, since Q is always followed by U.
Which is the least letter of English alphabet it is always followed by 'U'?
'Q' is always followed by 'U' in English words.
How many different 5 letter words can be formed using all five letters in the word QUARK if the U must always immediately follow the Q?
24
Does you follow q in spelling a word?
Yes, U.S. English typically follows the spelling convention of placing "u" before the letter "q" in words like "queen" or "quite."
Will super q caps work for opiates?
Yes it does ! Just follow directions like it tells u to and u should have no problem .
What is one way to decide if two numbers follow a Fibonacci sequence?
They will always follow some Fibonacci sequence. If P and Q are any two numbers, then they belong to the Fibonacci sequence with the first two numbers as P and (Q-P).
What answers P U Q?
It depends on what P, U and Q are.
