What is an example of phonemic substitution?

Phonemic substitution involves replacing one phoneme in a word with another phoneme to create a new word. In the provided example, changing the middle sound in "sop" from /o/ to /a/ transforms the word into "sap." This process exemplifies phonemic substitution because it alters one specific sound in the word while keeping the surrounding sounds and overall structure intact.

This change demonstrates how phonemes can be manipulated to create different words, which is a fundamental aspect of phonemic awareness—an essential skill for developing reading and spelling abilities. Understanding and practicing phonemic substitution helps learners recognize how sounds function in words, enhancing their literacy skills.