The digraph "QU"

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The digraph "QU"

A digraph is a single sound which is represented by two letters. In digraphs, consonants join together to form a kind of consonant team, which makes a special sound.

When the letter "u" follows the letter "q" is not a vowel, it's the digraph "qu". Most often denotes the cluster /kw/, except in borrowings from French where it represents /k/ as in plaque.

/kw/
Group 1: qu quick, question, frequent, equal

/k/
Group 1: qu+e silent antique, unique, baroque
Group 2: qu+vowel mosquito, liquor, turquoise (turquoise also can be pronounced /kw/)
Group 3: qu+e (last syllable pronounced /kei/) applique, bouquet

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