Double Trouble: Why English is a Hard Language to Learn
Double Trouble: Why Double Letters Make English Hard to Learn
Learning English isn’t easy — especially when something as simple as two of the same letter can completely change how a word sounds. For new readers and English learners, “double letters” can be a real challenge. While most languages rarely double letters, English allows it across 17 different letters — each with its own quirks, exceptions, and rules.
For someone just starting out, this can feel overwhelming. Why does coffee sound different from bookkeeper? Why is butter pronounced with a soft “t,” while letter sounds crisper?
The truth is: English isn’t broken — it’s just complicated. But that’s exactly what the Nardagani Reading Program was created to fix.
How Nardagani Simplifies the Confusing World of Double Letters
The Nardagani Reading Program is designed to take the guesswork out of reading. Instead of memorizing endless rules and exceptions, students learn a set of 12 simple symbols placed under letters. These symbols act like a roadmap, showing which sound to make — and when.
Learners start small. A few symbols at a time. Through repetition, games, and coded reading exercises, the patterns begin to click. Soon, reading stops feeling like memorization and starts feeling like logic.
When it comes to double letters, this method is especially powerful. Students not only learn what sound each pair makes — but why.
For example:
The “ee” in tree sounds long, but the “oo” in book sounds short.
The “ss” in lesson sounds crisp, but the “ff” in coffee ends softly.
And sometimes, like the “ll” in shell, it’s not about changing the sound at all — just about showing where one syllable ends and another begins.
By using Nardagani’s visual system, these confusing patterns finally start to make sense.
A Closer Look: The 17 Letters That Can Be Doubled in English
Below is the complete list of letters that can appear doubled — along with examples of each.
A: Aaron, aardvark
B: babble, bubble, cubby, cabby, crabby
C: account, accept
D: add, sudden
E: free, pioneer, sweet, need, see
F: coffee, office, traffic, different
G: trigger, aggregate
K: bookkeeper
L: valley, doll, shell
M: summit, commit, commercial
N: bunny, innovate, questionnaire, inner
O: book, moon, spoon
P: happy, apparent, opposite
R: carry, carrot, referral
S: cross, possible, lesson
T: letters, butter, otter
U: vacuum
V: savvy
Z: pizza, quizzical
Among these, the most common double letters in everyday words include:
ee, ll, ss, oo, tt, ff, rr, nn, pp, and cc.
And interestingly, the pairs that appear most frequently at the end of words are ee, ll, ss, and ff.
For example: coffee, bell, grass, cliff.
Each of these word endings follows subtle pronunciation patterns that can be tricky for learners to grasp without visual cues.
Why Double Letters Confuse ESL and Struggling Readers ¹
For someone who grew up speaking English, double letters might not seem like a big deal — they’re just part of how words look. But for new learners or readers who struggle with phonics, these “twin letters” can throw off pronunciation and meaning entirely.
Take the difference between hop and hope, or diner and dinner. One small change in spelling can shift the sound — or even the entire meaning — of the word.
To a reader still building confidence, this can be frustrating. It’s easy to lose motivation when the rules feel inconsistent or arbitrary. That’s where the Nardagani method shines.
By underlining or symbolizing these tricky letter combinations, Nardagani gives readers a visual “hint.” Suddenly, instead of guessing, they see how the word works — and reading becomes less of a mystery.
Learning to Read Through Patterns and Play
What makes Nardagani so different is how it combines structure with fun. The program doesn’t just teach rules — it helps students practice them through stories, games, and repetition.
For example, learners might play Memory Match or Nardagani Bingo, where each correct sound or symbol earns a point. These exercises transform reading into a game of discovery. Over time, the brain starts to recognize patterns naturally — just like how native speakers do.
One instructor shared how a student who once hesitated over simple words began reading entire paragraphs confidently after just a few weeks. The key? Focusing on one symbol and one sound at a time.
Why This Matters
For children and adults alike, reading is more than just decoding letters — it’s unlocking confidence. When double letters or silent sounds make that process difficult, the journey to literacy slows down.
Nardagani’s approach gives readers of all backgrounds — from English learners to those with dyslexia or reading challenges — the structure and support they need to succeed.
The result isn’t just better reading skills. It’s pride, excitement, and independence.
Learn More
To discover how the Nardagani Reading Program helps simplify even the most complex parts of English — including double letters — visit our website and watch Narda’s inspiring TEDx Talk, “A New Way to Learn to Read English.”
Because sometimes, learning to read doesn’t have to feel like double trouble
Click here to learn more about the Nardagani Reading Program and watch Narda’s TEDx talk, “A New Way to Learn to Read English.”
TEDx Talk by Founder: Watch Here
Website: https://www.nardagani.com
iOS Link: App Store
Google Play Link: Play Store
Promotional Video: Watch Here
