What are the words known as "sight words" that require automatic recognition for fluent reading called?

The term "sight words" refers to words that are frequently encountered in texts and are recognized automatically by fluent readers, which enhances reading speed and comprehension. High frequency words are essential because they make up a large percentage of the words in written texts, and knowing these words allows readers to focus on understanding the content rather than decoding every single word.

These words typically include common terms that do not necessarily follow standard phonetic rules, making them less predictable and more challenging to sound out. For example, words like "the," "and," and "is" often fall into this category. By recognizing these words instantly, readers can improve their reading fluency and overall literacy skills.

The other options do not specifically refer to this concept. Grade level words might vary according to educational standards but do not specifically align with the notion of instant recognition necessary for fluency. Contextual words are tied to specific content areas or situations and may not represent a consistent set of terms across different reading materials. Irregular verbs pertain to grammar and do not encompass the broader idea of automatic word recognition in fluent reading.