< game >
The <e> in <game> is needed because it marks the <a> long (or tense).
dolphin
The <ph> in <dolphin> is a sign of Greek.
characters
narrative
Little Red Riding Hood
narrative
cash
<sh>
< have >
The <e> in <have> is needed because no complete English word ends in <v>.
gymnasium
The vowel <y> in the middle of <gym> is a sign of Greek origin.
persuasion
expository
The United States Constitution
expository
mustache
<ch>
< please >
The <e> in <please> marks it as a base element, not a + <s> suffix. This differentiates it from the plural word <plea>. Plural cancelation.
chronic
The <ch> spelling /k/ in <chronic> is a sign of a Greek origin.
compare and contrast
expository
A Guide to English Grammar
expository
tension
<s>
< tie >
The <e> in <tie> is necessary because no complete English word ends in <i> and/or because content words require 3 letters.
pterodactyl
The initial silent <p> is a sign of a Greek origin.
setting
narrative
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
narrative
cautious
<t>
< fence >
The <e> in <fence> marks the <c> as [s].
saccharine
The <cch> trigraph is a sign of a Greek origin.
climax
narrative
Grandma's Recipe for Beef Stew
expository
passion
< ss >