ESL Discussion

Hello

I have grouped these words by pronunciation of the U.

 

bush

push

tush

 

rush

gush

hush

lush

mush

 

I can not see a logical reason why the u is pronounced like the u on up or the u in push, such as voiced or unvoiced letter preceding the u.

Is there a rule to control the u as there is for ed? Or is this just a mess like ough?

Anybody know of a rule?

Thanks!