Home Row Mastery with High-Frequency Letters
Focus:
E, T, A, O, I, N, S, R, H (Top 9 letters = 50% of English text)
These letters represent half of all characters in typical English text, making them essential for efficient typing.
Exercise:
Start with timed drills typing common words using these high-frequency letters
Use color-coded keyboards to reinforce finger placement
Legend: ■ High-frequency letters ■ Mid-frequency letters
Gradually incorporate middle-frequency letters (D, U, C, M)
Practice with these common words:
the and that this here there then
she said has some time their other
these those three share heart
stand start state street strain
TH/HE Letter Pair Challenge
Focus:
TH and HE letter combinations (TH is the most common letter pair in English)
T is the 2nd most common letter and H is the 9th most common letter in English text.
Exercise:
Type phrases focusing on TH/HE letter combinations
Focus on alternating hands (left shift + H, right shift + T)
Focus Keys: T, H, E - Practice these key combinations for improved typing fluency
Practice with these common TH/HE phrases:
the thing that helps
then there they them
this that these those
think thank thought
he her here help heat
the three brothers
their mother then
Vowel-Consonant Alternation Practice
Focus:
A/E/I/O/U + S/R/N/T (40% of typing)
Alternating between vowels and consonants improves typing rhythm and flow.
Exercise:
Practice typing words with alternating vowels and consonants
Focus on common vowel-consonant patterns
Method: Alternate between vowels and consonants (e.g., "sent", "rain", "tone")
Use Ratatype's "Word Exercises" that reveal letters progressively
Practice with these vowel-consonant alternating words:
sent rain tone rise note
menu site rate pine tune
lane vote mine sane time
ripe tame nine sole rare
Aim for 90% accuracy before increasing speed
Low-Frequency Letter Bootcamp
Focus:
J, Q, Z, X (least common letters in English)
These rare letters require special attention to build muscle memory and typing confidence.
Exercise:
Short bursts of practice with rare letter combinations
Focus on pinky-finger exercises for Q/P keys
Approach: Practice typing rare words containing J, Q, Z, and X in short, focused sessions
Practice with these words containing low-frequency letters:
Practice with these rare letter words:
jazz quiz jinx ajax
quip jolt zest xray
quick jump zero xbox
quest just zone xylophone
quartz major zebra expert
More Lessons Coming Soon
We're working on creating additional comprehensive typing lessons to help you master the keyboard.
Check back soon for more structured lessons on proper finger positioning, common key combinations, and advanced typing techniques.