How are consonant blends formed in a word?

Consonant blends are created when two consonants come together in a word while each maintains its own distinct sound. The result is a combination that produces a sequence of sounds that are heard one after the other. For example, in the word "bland," the "b" and "l" sounds are pronounced separately, allowing the listener to hear both sounds distinctly. This blending creates a richer phonetic experience without the loss of the original sounds of the consonants involved.

In contrast, the other answer choices suggest different phonetic interactions that do not apply to consonant blends. Some suggest the formation of entirely new sounds, where the original characteristics of the consonants would be lost, or that include silent letters, which contradicts the nature of how consonant blends operate. Ultimately, in consonant blends, the emphasis is on the preservation of the sounds of both consonants, making the answer centered on the retention of individual sounds correct.