/ɪr/ — the HEAR vowel as in hear, here, beer, year

Main spellings (~88%)

⟨ear⟩ ~56%

The most common spelling, used word-finally.

⟨ere⟩ ~24%

Common in words ending with this sound.

⟨eer⟩ ~8%

Always makes this sound — one of the most reliable spellings.

Unusual spellings (~12%)

⟨yr⟩

From Greek — common in words with Greek roots.

⟨ier⟩

Only a few words.

⟨eir⟩

Only two words.

/ɪr/ vs /ɛr/