How to pronounce the letter C

Today’s question is a common one from a client:  What different ways can the letter C be pronounced?

It can be pronounced as a K or S sound.  How do you know which sound to use?  Follow these simple rules:

Pronounce the letter “C” as an “S” sound if the letter “C” is followed by the letters “E”, “I”, or “Y”.

This is true in the words “central”, “city”, and “cyst”.

Pronounce the letter “C” as a “K” sound, if the letter “C” is followed by the letters “A”, “O”, or “U”.

This is true in the words “can”, “corn”, and “cut”.