How many consonants are there in the English alphabet?

In addition to vowels, the English alphabet is also made up of consonants. While vowels represent open-mouthed speech sounds, consonants represent sounds that are made when part or all of the vocal tract is closed. Because they require a specific position of the lips, cheeks, tongue, etc., there is generally little to no difference in how consonants are pronounced between different speakers of English. (The pronunciation of vowels, on the other hand, can differ drastically depending on dialect).

There are 21 consonants: B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y, and Z. Note that Y can sometimes function as a vowel (as in myth or dry, so it is often referred to as a semivowel. W can also function alongside vowels to form certain vowel sounds (as in growing or drawing, but it can’t function as a vowel on its own.