How many phonemes are present in the word "sound"?

The word "sound" contains four distinct phonemes. Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language that can distinguish one word from another. In the case of "sound," it can be broken down into the following phonemes:

1. /s/ - the initial sound

2. /aʊ/ - the vowel sound, represented by the "ou"

3. /n/ - the nasal sound represented by "n"

4. /d/ - the final sound represented by "d"

Each of these sounds is essential in forming the word "sound" and contributes to its overall pronunciation. The correct identification of phonemes is vital for understanding how words are formed and pronounced in literacy instruction.