The letters -ough, five different ways

1. thoughðoʊadverb

   However, all the same.

   Rhymes with go. The GH says nothing at all.

2. throughθruːadverb

   From one side to the other.

   Rhymes with too. Same four letters, different vowel.

3. thoroughˈθɜːroʊadjective

   Complete and careful, missing nothing.

   Two syllables, THUR-oh. It is not the same word as through.

4. toughtʌfadjective

   Hard to do, or hard to chew.

   The GH is an F: TUFF.

5. coughkɑːfnoun

   A sudden noisy push of air from the chest.

   Also an F, but the vowel is the one in off: COFF.

6. enoughɪˈnʌfadverb

   As much as is needed.

   Another F, and the stress is on the second syllable: e-NUFF.

7. roughrʌfadjective

   Not smooth.

   Rhymes with tough and with stuff.

8. boroughˈbɜːrˌoʊnoun

   A town, or one district of a large city.

   Two syllables and the GH is silent: BUR-oh.

9. droughtdraʊtnoun

   A long period with no rain.

   Rhymes with out. Nothing like bought.

10. doughdoʊnoun

    Flour and water mixed ready for baking.

    Rhymes with though and with go.

Sentences

1. It was cold, though the sun was out.
2. We walked through the park to get here.
3. They were very thorough with the checks.
4. The meat was tough and rather dry.
5. I have had this cough for a week.
6. There is not enough room for everyone.
7. The road becomes rough after the bridge.
8. The old borough has its own market.
9. The drought lasted most of the summer.
10. The dough needs to rest for an hour.