Pronunciation: the basics
The two «th» sounds, the «h», long and short vowels, and word stress.
English uses the Latin alphabet, but spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation. A few sounds cause problems for learners from almost every language.
| Sound | How to make it | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| voiceless th [θ] | tongue between the teeth, blow air (not «s», «f» or «t») | think, three, thank you |
| voiced th [ð] | tongue between the teeth, with voice (not «z» or «d») | the, this, mother |
| h | a soft breath, almost always pronounced | hello, house, happy |
| short i / long ee | «ship» (short) ≠ «sheep» (long) | sit / seat, live / leave |
| r | the tongue touches nothing; no rolled or throat r | red, very, sorry |
| w | rounded lips, like a quick «oo» | water, what, one |
Word stress
Every word has one strong syllable; the others are weakened, often to the neutral vowel [ə]: photograph, photographer, photographic. Stress is not marked in writing, so learn it with each new word.
- I think this is the third one.three voiceless th sounds: think, third (and this = voiced)
- He has a big house.pronounce every h
Test yourself
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Is the «h» in «happy» pronounced?
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Yes (except in hour, honest, honour, heir). -
What is the difference between «ship» and «sheep»?
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short vowel (a boat) / long vowel (the animal) -
How many syllables does «comfortable» have in speech?
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three: COMF-ta-ble -
Is the «h» in «hour» pronounced?
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No: an hour