In the context of the word "know," how many phonemes does it contain?

The word "know" contains two distinct phonemes: /n/ and /oʊ/. Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language that can distinguish one word from another. In "know," the initial sound /n/ represents the "k" consonant sound, while the vowel sound is represented by /oʊ/, which is a diphthong. This combination results in the correct count of two phonemes. Understanding the concept of phonemes can help in phonics instruction and developing reading skills, as recognizing these sound units is crucial for decoding and spelling words effectively.