keyboard_return Exit
keyboard_arrow_left

TOEFL Speaking 2 Practice 135

settings  Settings
 
schedule00:15

In this question of the TOEFL Speaking Task 1, you'll speak about a familiar topic. Your response will be scored on your ability to speak clearly and coherently about the topics. You'll have 15 seconds to prepare your answer and 45 seconds to speak.

We recommend you practice taking notes with a pen and paper like you will during your TOEFL exam.

Create an account to save your progress

What would you most like to take a course in? (1) Mathematics (2) Painting (3) Science
What would you most like to take a course in? (1) Mathematics (2) Painting (3) Science
You have 15 seconds to prepare your answer.
What would you most like to take a course in? (1) Mathematics (2) Painting (3) Science

You have 45 seconds to record your answer. Click the record button to begin.

Recorder will be available after subscribing.
Sign Up For Free For More Content

Step 2: Prepare your answer

Question: What would you most like to take a course in? (1) Mathematics (2) Painting (3) Science


You have 15 seconds to prepare you answer


00:15
Step 3: Record your answer

Question: What would you most like to take a course in? (1) Mathematics (2) Painting (3) Science


Recorder will be available after subscribing.

Sign Up For Free For More Content

Sign Up For Free For More Content

Keywords In The Practice
No Vocabulary Linked To Practice

Get your speaking response scored with audio feedback and a detailed score report.

Get a speaking review

Sample Speaking Review

Score Summary
4.5 / 6
AI Review
Task Fulfillment
Pronunciation & Intonation
Flow & Speech
Correct Grammar Usage
Vocabulary Usage (Appropriacy and Range)
Support & Development
Connections & Coherence
AI Speech Feedback
Speech AI Results
Question 1: Thank you for speaking with me today. I'm conducting a study about people's educational experiences and views on learning. I'd like to ask you a few questions. First, could you tell me a bit about your most recent or current educational experience? Are you in school now, or have you completed any formal studies?
 
so

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

right now i'm actually in
the

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

middle

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
50% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

of

cancel 80% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

a

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

part-time

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
81% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
77% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

master

cancel 64% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
11% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

program

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

in

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
93% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
95% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

data

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
63% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

analytics

cancel 66% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
38% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
35% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
72% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
21% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
59% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
97% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
65% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

at

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

a

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

local university.
i

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

graduated

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/dʒ/
/jh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ʤ</strong> sound, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
70% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
62% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

with

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
89% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
59% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

a
psychology

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/dʒ/
/jh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ʤ</strong> sound, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
60% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

degree

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
52% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
64% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
87% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

a few
years

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/j/
/y/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the 'j sound' <strong>ʤ</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction (similar to the friction of a zh sound <strong>ʒ</strong>).

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
33% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

ago.

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
51% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
60% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

but
i

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

also

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

worked

cancel 67% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

full-time

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/ʊ/
/uh/
play_circle_filled
64% accurate

To create the 'other u' <strong>ʊ</strong> sound, the back of the tongue is raised to a mid-high position. The sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth toward the back of the mouth. The jaw is slightly closed and the lips are pulled into a loose circle.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
96% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

and

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
87% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
43% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
32% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

i
realized

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
90% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

i

cancel 80% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

needed

cancel 28% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
39% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
5% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
25% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

stronger

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
45% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

skills, so i went back
to

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

school.

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

a

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

my

cancel 74% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

because i'm
working

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

during
the

cancel 80% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
72% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

day

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
87% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

so all my
classes

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

are
in

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

evenings or online.
which

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/tʃ/
/ch/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

is kind
of

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

exhausting.

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
70% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
72% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

i

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

social

cancel 73% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

convenient.

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/j/
/y/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'j sound' <strong>ʤ</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction (similar to the friction of a zh sound <strong>ʒ</strong>).

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
57% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
53% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

the

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

program

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

is

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

three

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/θ/
/th/
play_circle_filled
49% accurate

To create the <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
58% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

semesters

cancel 48% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
48% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
60% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
53% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
55% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
63% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

long.

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

i

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

just

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/dʒ/
/jh/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>ʤ</strong> sound, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

finished

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

the

cancel 80% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

first one so
i'm

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
93% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
95% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

basically

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/b/
/b/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>b</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
77% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
81% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

basically

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/b/
/b/
play_circle_filled
77% accurate

To create the <strong>b</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

juggling

cancel 70% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/dʒ/
/jh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ʤ</strong> sound, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
55% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
54% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

work,

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
70% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

homework,

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/h/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

and

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

social

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

life right now.   play_circle_filled

Pronunciation: 89%   Fluency: 93%   Grammar: 75%   Coherence: 90%   Vocab: 80%   Relevance: 95%  

 
grammar
Strengths

Overall sentence structures are simple and correct, with consistent past and present tense use when describing past graduation and current study.

Pronouns and basic subject-verb agreement are handled accurately, making the message easy to follow.

Weaknesses

Minor grammatical issues and redundancy reduce polish; for instance the line "Because I'm working during the day, so all my classes are in evenings or online," combines "Because" and "so" and omits the article in "in evenings," which would be more natural as "because I'm working during the day, all my classes are in the evenings or online."

Question 2: Great. People often have different feelings about school depending on their environment and support systems. Some enjoy learning and thrive in the classroom, while others find school stressful or difficult to connect with. What has your overall experience with education been like, and what factors do you think shaped it?
 
a

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

me.

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

my relationship with
school

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

has been
kind

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
4% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

of

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
56% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
49% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

a
mixed

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
70% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

feeling.
in

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
81% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

elementary

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

and
middle

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
95% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
50% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
24% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
58% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

school

cancel 79% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
61% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

i
liked

cancel 59% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
31% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

it

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
56% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
81% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

because
it's

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
77% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
72% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
28% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

small classes.
teacher

cancel 79% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
51% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
86% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/tʃ/
/ch/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
90% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

knows

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
98% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

my name.
and

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
96% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
54% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
48% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

that
is

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
86% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

a
cozy

cancel 54% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
48% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
39% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
48% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

atmosphere

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

is.

cancel 67% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
46% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
53% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

high

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/h/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

school

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

was a
different

cancel 53% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
54% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
43% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
43% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
12% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

story

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

was a much more
difficult.

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

and

cancel 70% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
99% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

the

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
89% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
93% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

classes

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
93% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

were huge
and

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
95% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
72% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

i

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

felt

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
89% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

a
bit

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/b/
/b/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the <strong>b</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

like a
factory

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
83% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
65% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

so.

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

yeah,

cancel 69% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/j/
/y/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'j sound' <strong>ʤ</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction (similar to the friction of a zh sound <strong>ʒ</strong>).

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
57% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

i

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

kind of have the
adjust-get-by

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/dʒ/
/jh/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>ʤ</strong> sound, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/b/
/b/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the <strong>b</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

mentality.

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
70% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
74% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
57% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
87% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

college

cancel 70% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
55% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
59% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
61% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/dʒ/
/jh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ʤ</strong> sound, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

brought me
back

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/b/
/b/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>b</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
83% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

because i
finally

cancel 73% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
64% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
59% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
53% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

had

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/h/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

the

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

freedom

cancel 64% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
64% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
30% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

to

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

choose
courses

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

that

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
90% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

interest

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
71% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

me.   play_circle_filled

Pronunciation: 89%   Fluency: 94%   Grammar: 65%   Coherence: 80%   Vocab: 75%   Relevance: 90%  

 
grammar
Strengths

Most simple sentence structures are correct and understandable, and you use past tense appropriately in places like "College brought me back."

Weaknesses

There are tense and agreement inconsistencies and some awkward constructions that interrupt fluency, for example "Teacher knows my name and that is a cozy atmosphere" mixes present tense and a clumsy connector, and the phrasing "I kind of have the adjust-get-by mentality" sounds ungrammatical and unclear.

Question 3: Let's talk about motivation. Some people are very driven by academic success or career goals, while others focus more on learning for personal growth. What has motivated you most in your education so far—and has that motivation changed over time?
 
that's good
question.

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
83% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
58% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/tʃ/
/ch/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

early

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
71% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

on

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
93% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

i

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

was

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
95% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
97% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
72% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

totally

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
86% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
61% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

driven

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
90% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
93% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

by.
goal

cancel 79% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
52% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

stars

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

and getting my
parents

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
71% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

to

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

stack

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
54% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

my
report

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
59% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

card

cancel 73% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
57% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
50% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

on

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
87% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

fridge, then
encouraging

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
35% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/dʒ/
/jh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ʤ</strong> sound, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
51% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

the
motivation

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

shift

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
57% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

to
curiosities.

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/j/
/y/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'j sound' <strong>ʤ</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction (similar to the friction of a zh sound <strong>ʒ</strong>).

/ʊ/
/uh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'other u' <strong>ʊ</strong> sound, the back of the tongue is raised to a mid-high position. The sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth toward the back of the mouth. The jaw is slightly closed and the lips are pulled into a loose circle.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
48% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
58% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
64% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

i

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

like to
research

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/tʃ/
/ch/
play_circle_filled
71% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

and

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
89% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
45% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

i want to know more about this now in my
master's

cancel 68% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

degree.

cancel 79% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
30% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
73% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
95% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

the
big

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/b/
/b/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>b</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
27% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

driver

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

is is
practicality.

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
43% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
54% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
63% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
63% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

i

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

need

cancel 79% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
86% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
83% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
12% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

those

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ð/
/dh/
play_circle_filled
50% accurate

To create <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
71% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

skills

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
92% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

to

cancel 80% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
60% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
45% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

stay
relevant

cancel 46% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
98% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
50% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
6% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
36% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
46% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
2% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

in

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

world

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
92% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

and

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
60% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
74% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

hopefully

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/h/
play_circle_filled
69% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
77% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

get a
promotion

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
98% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
59% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

so

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
90% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

it's more
fun

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
97% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
36% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

still

cancel 79% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
96% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
92% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
31% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

to

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
87% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

internal

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

curiosities

cancel 69% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/j/
/y/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'j sound' <strong>ʤ</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction (similar to the friction of a zh sound <strong>ʒ</strong>).

/ʊ/
/uh/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create the 'other u' <strong>ʊ</strong> sound, the back of the tongue is raised to a mid-high position. The sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth toward the back of the mouth. The jaw is slightly closed and the lips are pulled into a loose circle.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
61% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
48% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
28% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
50% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
62% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

and now more of
a

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

career
survival

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

motivation.

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
60% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

which

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/tʃ/
/ch/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction.

i feel
i'm

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

grown

cancel 66% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/g/
/g/
play_circle_filled
41% accurate

To create the <strong>g</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>g</strong> is less than that for a <strong>k</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
54% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
65% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

up.

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

i guess
so.

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
98% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
74% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

  play_circle_filled

Pronunciation: 92%   Fluency: 91%   Grammar: 45%   Coherence: 60%   Vocab: 60%   Relevance: 85%  

 
grammar
Strengths

You correctly use tense to mark stages of your life (early on vs now), which helps show the timeline of your motivation.

Short, simple clauses like "I like to research" are grammatically correct and easy to follow.

Weaknesses

Sentence fragments and missing auxiliary verbs interrupt flow; for example, "Then encouraging the motivation shift to curiosities" is an incomplete clause that should be rephrased for clarity.

There are errors in word forms and structure that affect meaning, as in "it's more fun still to internal curiosities," where the verb form and structure are incorrect and confusing.

Final sentence structure is awkward and ungrammatical: "which I feel I'm grown up, I guess so" needs restructuring to something like "I feel I've grown up" or "I guess I've grown up."

Question 4: Last question. In recent years, there's been more debate about how schools should adapt to meet different learning styles, incorporate technology, or emphasize life skills. Do you think the current education system prepares people well for real life? Why or why not?
 
a.

cancel 75% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

a

cancel 57% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ə/
/ah/
play_circle_filled
57% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

i

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

think

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/θ/
/th/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create the <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

system

cancel 28% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
77% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
98% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
83% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
61% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
24% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
32% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

is

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
92% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

doing okay but could
use

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/j/
/y/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'j sound' <strong>ʤ</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction (similar to the friction of a zh sound <strong>ʒ</strong>).

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

a

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

serious

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
60% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
46% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
42% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

improvement.

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

schools still
prioritize

cancel 68% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
52% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
51% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
59% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
25% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
51% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
83% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

memorizing

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
77% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/z/
/z/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'z sound' <strong>z</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

content

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

for

cancel 58% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/f/
/f/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'f sound' <strong>f</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is to be a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the production of the <strong>f</strong>. A common error English language learners make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking other sounds to and from the <strong>f</strong>.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
55% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
41% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

tests.

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
56% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

i
think

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/θ/
/th/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

it's quite
outdated,

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/aʊ/
/aw/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

Start with the jaw open and the body of the tongue in a low position in the mouth. The bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then, as the jaw closes, the lips close into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
54% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

you
know,

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
81% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

especially

cancel 61% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
24% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
55% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
67% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
56% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
52% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

ai and google is so
convenient

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/i/
/iy/
play_circle_filled
93% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>i</strong> sound the tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound compared to all other vowels in English. Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the <strong>i</strong> sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/j/
/y/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'j sound' <strong>ʤ</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction (similar to the friction of a zh sound <strong>ʒ</strong>).

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
34% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

to
use

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/j/
/y/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create the 'j sound' <strong>ʤ</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the back tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released with friction (similar to the friction of a zh sound <strong>ʒ</strong>).

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
86% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

now.
we'll

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/w/
/w/
play_circle_filled
93% accurate

To create the 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> the jaw is mostly closed and the lips form a small, tight circle. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords must vibrate during the production of the sound.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

be better
served

cancel 69% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
96% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɚ/
/er/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ɚ</strong> sound first raise the back of the tongue so that the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
77% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

if

cancel 80% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
45% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

classes
spend

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
87% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

more

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
47% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

time

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
57% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
35% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

on

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
84% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

problem

cancel 82% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/p/
/p/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>p</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/ɑ/
/aa/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong> the vocal tract is very open for the production of the 'aa sound' <strong>ɑ</strong>. In fact, the jaw is held more open and the back of the tongue is held lower for this sound than any other American English vowel sound pronunciation. The tongue touches the inside of the bottom teeth so that the top of the tongue is nearly even with the top of the bottom teeth. The lips are held open and kept rounded, but relaxed.

/b/
/b/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>b</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

solving

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/s/
/s/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create the 's sound' <strong>s</strong>, the front of the tongue is placed close to the tooth ridge. The tip of the tongue should be close to the upper backside of the top front teeth. The tongue is kept tense as air is pushed between a small groove along the center of the tip of the tongue and the front of the tooth ridge. The front sides of the tongue touch the side teeth toward the front of the mouth. The lips are held slightly tense during the sound.

/ɔ/
/ao/
play_circle_filled
58% accurate

To create the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong> the entire tongue is pushed back and kept low during the pronunciation of the 'aw sound' <strong>ɔ</strong>. The bottom side teeth can be felt alongside the front of the tongue during the sound. The back of the tongue has only a slight rounding upward at the very rear of the mouth. The lips are made into an oval shape, and may stick slightly outward.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
75% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/v/
/v/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'v sound' <strong>v</strong>, the jaw is held nearly closed. The upper backside of the bottom lip is pressed very lightly into the bottom of the top teeth. Air is pushed out the mouth between the top teeth and the upper backside of the bottom lip. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration. The lips are kept mostly relaxed during the <strong>v</strong>. A common error ESL/ELL students make is overproducing this sound by curling the bottom lip under the top teeth. This creates problems when linking to and from the <strong>v</strong>.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
64% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

and

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
55% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/d/
/d/
play_circle_filled
70% accurate

To create this sound air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

collaboration.

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
70% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/æ/
/ae/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ae</strong> sound the front of the tongue is pushed further forward and is held lower in the mouth when forming the 'short a' /æ/ sound than with any other vowel sound. The tip of the tongue will touch the inside of the bottom front teeth. The body of the tongue is rounded slightly upward. The jaw is lowered and the lips are held apart, allowing the entire oral cavity to remain open.

/b/
/b/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>b</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract by closing the lips. The sound is aspirated when the air is released.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/r/
/r/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>r</strong> sound the back of the tongue is raised so the sides of the tongue touch the back teeth. The center of the back of the tongue is lower and the air travels through this groove to create the sound. The tip of the tongue may point upward, or may be left low.

/eɪ/
/ey/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>eɪ</strong> sound, begin with the tongue pushed somewhat forward but in a neutral position in the mouth. Then, as the jaw closes slightly, move the body of the tongue upward until it is near the tooth ridge--similar to the position of a 'y sound' <strong>y</strong>. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top teeth at the end of the sound.

/ʃ/
/sh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'sh sound' <strong>ʃ</strong>, air is forced between a wide groove in the center of the front of the tongue and the back of the tooth ridge. The sides of the blade of the tongue may touch the side teeth. The lips are kept slightly tense, and may protrude somewhat during the production of the sound. This sound is a continuous consonant, meaning that it should be capable of being produced for a few seconds with even and smooth pronunciation for the entire duration.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
92% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
58% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

and

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
83% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

even
know

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/oʊ/
/ow/
play_circle_filled
71% accurate

To pronounce the 'ow sound' <strong>oʊ</strong> the body of the tongue is pushed back and in a low-to-mid mouth position and the bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then the sound moves into a 'w sound' <strong>w</strong> by raising the jaw slightly while closing the lips into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

how

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/h/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/aʊ/
/aw/
play_circle_filled
78% accurate

Start with the jaw open and the body of the tongue in a low position in the mouth. The bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then, as the jaw closes, the lips close into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

to

cancel 94% accurate

done
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
80% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
94% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

mental

cancel 68% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
61% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
58% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
52% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

how

cancel 91% accurate

done
sound you said
/ə/
/h/
play_circle_filled
76% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/aʊ/
/aw/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

Start with the jaw open and the body of the tongue in a low position in the mouth. The bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then, as the jaw closes, the lips close into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

to manage
mental

cancel 58% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/m/
/m/
play_circle_filled
0% accurate

To create the 'm sound' <strong>m</strong>, the lips are pressed together, causing the air to be blocked from leaving the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
87% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/n/
/n/
play_circle_filled
91% accurate

To create the 'n sound' <strong>n</strong>, the air is blocked from leaving the mouth by pressing the tip against the tooth ridge and the sides of the front of the tongue against the side teeth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
68% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
40% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
49% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

mental
health.

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ə/
/h/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/ɛ/
/eh/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɛ</strong> sound the middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.

/l/
/l/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the <strong>l</strong>, the tip of the tongue is placed against the middle of the tooth ridge. The sound is created when air travels alongside the tip of the tongue, between the front of the tongue and the side teeth.

/θ/
/th/
play_circle_filled
45% accurate

To create the <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

i
think

cancel 85% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/θ/
/th/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the <strong>ð</strong> sound the tip of the tongue is placed behind the top front teeth. The friction occurs between the tip of the tongue and the top front teeth. Subtle friction may also occur between the top of the front of the tongue and the tooth ridge.

/ɪ/
/ih/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>ɪ</strong> sound the lips are relaxed and the central/front area of the tongue is in the central/high area of the mouth for this sound. The overall neutrality and relaxed tongue and lip position is why it is one of the pronunciations used in an unstressed vowel position.

/ŋ/
/ng/
play_circle_filled
100% accurate

To create the 'ng sound' <strong>ŋ</strong>, air is prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The soft palate drops, allowing air to pass out through the nose. The sound is voiced, so the vocal cords vibrate while producing it.

/k/
/k/
play_circle_filled
71% accurate

To create the <strong>k</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the back of the tongue lifts and presses against the soft palate at the back of the mouth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The amount of aspiration used to produce a <strong>k</strong> is greater than that used for a <strong>g</strong>.

a

cancel 79% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ə/
/ax/
play_circle_filled
79% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

i

cancel 88% accurate

done
sound you said
/aɪ/
/ay/
play_circle_filled
88% accurate

To pronounce the <strong>aɪ</strong> at the beginning of the sound, the tongue is low and touches the bottom, side teeth. Then as the jaw closes slightly, the body of the tongue moves upward until it is near the tooth ridge, similar to the position of a 'y sound'. The front sides of the tongue touch the inside of the top, side teeth.

how

cancel 80% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/ə/
/h/
play_circle_filled
82% accurate

To create the 'ah sound' <strong>ə</strong> the body of the tongue is relaxed and set low in the mouth. The sides of the tongue lightly touch the bottom teeth during the formation of the sound. The jaw is kept in a neutral position, and the lips are relaxed. It is very similar to the 'other ah sound' <strong>ʌ</strong>.

/aʊ/
/aw/
play_circle_filled
56% accurate

Start with the jaw open and the body of the tongue in a low position in the mouth. The bottom teeth can be felt along the sides of the tongue. Then, as the jaw closes, the lips close into a small circle. The body of the tongue moves upward until the tongue is near the back of the hard palate.

to.

cancel 76% accurate

Request an AI speaking review to view the pronunciation training content
sound you said
/t/
/t/
play_circle_filled
66% accurate

To create the <strong>t</strong>, air is briefly prevented from leaving the vocal tract when the tip of the tongue presses against the tooth ridge while the sides of the tongue press against the upper side teeth. The sound is aspirated when the air is released. The aspiration for a <strong>t</strong> is greater than the aspiration for a /d/, especially when it is the first sound of a word or the first sound of a stressed syllable.

/u/
/uw/
play_circle_filled
85% accurate

To create the 'oo sound' <strong>u</strong>, the lips are pulled into a tense, small circle. In addition, the back of the tongue is raised to a high position and sides of the tongue may touch the top teeth at the back of the mouth.

  play_circle_filled

Pronunciation: 85%   Fluency: 89%   Grammar: 70%   Coherence: 85%   Vocab: 75%   Relevance: 90%  

 
grammar
Strengths

Sentences are mostly short and grammatically simple, which keeps the message easy to follow.

Subject-verb constructions often work correctly in statements like "Schools still prioritize memorizing content for tests."

Weaknesses

There is a subject-verb agreement issue in the line "AI and Google is so convenient to use now," where "AI and Google" should take a plural verb.

Some phrasing is grammatically awkward, for instance "could use a serious improvement" which is nonstandard, and the clause "and even know how to manage mental health" leaves the subject unclear and feels incomplete.

TOEFL Score: 5/5 help
The response fulfills the demands of the task, with at most minor lapses in completeness. It is highly intelligible and exhibits sustained, coherent discourse.

overall: 90
Demonstrates excellent fluency and coherence with occasional pauses. Uses a wide range of vocabulary and idioms with rare mistakes. Uses perfect colloquial grammar while speaking. Has very good pronunciation with very mild accent.

pronunciation: 89
Uses a wide range of pronunciation features. Sustains flexible use of features, with only occasional lapses. Is easy to understand throughout; First language accent has minimal impact on intelligibility.

grammar: 64
Uses a mix of simple and complex structures, but with limited flexibility. May make frequent mistakes with complex structures though these rarely cause comprehension problems.

vocabulary: 72
Has a wide enough vocabulary to discuss topics at length and make meaning clear in spite of inappropriacies. Generally paraphrases successfully.

coherence: 79
Speaks at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence. Uses a range of connectives and discourse markers with some flexibility.

relevance: 90
This is AI based and cannot be relied on for 100% accuracy. The score is the average of all relevance scores from each question.

fluency: 92
Speaks fluently with only occasional repetition or self-correction; hesitation in speech is usually content-related and only rarely to search for vocabulary or grammatical constructs. Develops topics coherently and appropriately.

View Criteria Descriptions keyboard_arrow_down
Criteria Score Reports

Task Fulfillment   4/5

response directly addresses the interview question with clear and relevant ideas answer fulfills most or all parts of the prompt effectively listener can easily recognize how the response satisfies the task

Task fulfillment is about how well you respond to the question you are given. TOEFL raters are looking for a response that answers the question directly, with relevant ideas that are fully developed. Fulfilling the task means answering all parts of the question completely.

How to Improve

Request a review to view this content

...

Pronunciation & Intonation   4/5

response is clear and easy to understand, with only minor pronunciation issues intonation is natural in most cases, supporting listener engagement stress and rhythm are well controlled with rare lapses

Pronunciation and intonation is about how you form English sounds and how you use natural English intonation. Your pronunciation and intonation can damage your score if it is difficult for the raters to understand what you are saying.

How to Improve

Request a review to view this content

...

Flow & Speech   4/5

response has mostly natural rhythm in delivering interview answers speech is generally fluid, sustained, and easy to follow contains only minimal unnatural pausing or hesitation

Flow and speech is about how quickly you can speak and how much pausing and hesitation you use. You don't have to speak quickly, but just quickly enough to sound natural and explain all of your ideas. Raters want to hear natural rhythm and flow.

How to Improve

Request a review to view this content

...

Correct Grammar Usage   3/5

Meaning is generally clear in interview responses despite some errors with:noun phrases and clausesverbs (tenses, modals, and passives)adverbs and adjectives (including phrases and clauses)word orderarticles, pronouns, quantifiers, prepositionsgerunds, infinitivesmost conditionalssome reported speech

Correct grammar usage is about how you use English grammar and sentence structure. Raters want to see that you can use what you know correctly. Your grammar doesn't have to be perfect to score high, but mistakes shouldn't interfere with your meaning.

How to Improve

Request a review to view this content

...

Vocabulary Usage (Appropriacy and Range)   3/5

response uses a mix of basic and somewhat varied vocabulary word choice is generally appropriate but may lack precision or flexibility listener can follow the answer, though some wording feels limited or repetitive

Vocabulary usage is about how you use English words. Raters are looking for responses that use different words correctly and accurately, and that use a wide range of words that help listeners understand.

How to Improve

Request a review to view this content

...

Support & Development   4/5

response develops ideas with clear, specific support and relevant examples details are generally well chosen and effectively connected to the point listener can easily follow how the answer addresses the interview question

Support and development is about the content of your speaking response. Your content should be related directly to the topic, and you should have several main ideas that support your opinion or position. These ideas should be persuasive or compelling.

How to Improve

Request a review to view this content

...

Connections & Coherence   4/5

response is very coherent, with ideas logically ordered to address the interview prompt and any subparts in a purposeful sequenceuses a variety of clear transitions, an effective introduction, and a concise conclusion that create a strong sense of unity

Coherence and connections are about how you put your ideas together and link different sentences to each other. Raters want to see speaking that flows naturally from idea to idea without confusing the listener.

How to Improve

Request a review to view this content

...

speaking LessonsCompleted: 0 / 77
MASTER TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 1
The TOEFL Independent Speaking Task will present you an issue and two opposite opinions towards the issue. You have to choose between the two options the prompt states out. You will have 15 seconds to prepare for an answer and 45 seconds to make your speech. The key to this question is to stay firmly on the side of the option you choose.
Prepare for all 5 question styles
TOEFL Independent Speaking Task 1 has 5 question styles:
  1. Agree or Disagree
  2. Preference
  3. If/Imaginary
  4. Description or Explanation
  5. Advantage and Disadvantage

If / Imaginary Questions
If you had a small amount of money, would you spend it right away or save it? Use details and examples to support your explanation.

Agree or Disagree Questions
Do you agree or disagree that students should bring a cellphone to school? Use details and examples to support your explanation.

Preference Questions
Do you prefer finding information by reading books or searching the Internet? Use details and examples to support your explanation.

Description or Explanation Questions
Should new university students all be required to read the same book in the summer before they start their first course of study? Explain your answer.

Advantage and Disadvantage Questions
Your university is planning to allow students to watch TV in their dormitories. What is your opinion and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV in dormitories? Include reasons and examples to support your response.

You'll have 45 seconds to make your speech. The structure of the response can be the following:
1. Your main idea or your main opinion
2. The first main idea and supporting details and examples
3. The second supporting idea and supporting details and examples
4. Conclusion.

"Agree or Disagree" questions
The first question style is Agree or Disagree. These questions will give you a certain statement and ask whether you agree or disagree with it. You will also have to provide specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Here are a few examples:
  • Do you agree or disagree that students should bring their cellphones to school? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
  • Do you agree or disagree that a celebrity should set a good example for young people? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
  • Do you agree or disagree that a higher education means a better career? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
To answer these questions, you can use the following expressions to begin your response.

I agree/disagree that ...
I agree/disagree to the idea that ….
I agree/disagree with S + Verb-ing
Some people believe that …, but I disagree.

Here are a few examples of beginning responses:

I agree that students should bring their cellphones to school.
I agree to the idea that students should bring their cellphones to school.
I agree with students bringing their cellphones to school.
Some people believe that students should bring their cellphones to school, but I disagree.
"Preference" questions
The second question style is Preference. A preference question will give you a choice between two options and ask which option you prefer. You will need to provide specific reasons and examples to explain why you prefer that option.

Here are some examples of preference questions:
  • Do you prefer finding information by reading books or searching the Internet? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
  • Do you prefer to eat at home or restaurants? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
  • Would you prefer to have a higher-paying job with longer hours or a lower-paying job with shorter hours? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
  • Do you prefer to work in a team or work alone? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
To answer this question, you can use the following expressions to begin your response

I prefer to ___ (V + O).
To me, ____(X) is far preferable to ____(Y)
I prefer ____(X) to/over ____(Y)
I would rather ____(V + O) than ___ (V + O)


I prefer to find information by reading books.
To me, eating at restaurants is far preferable to eating at home.
I prefer having a higher-paying job with longer hours to having a lower-paying job with shorter hours.
I would rather work in a team than work alone.


Here in the third sentence, many students use "than" instead of "to" as in the following sentence Incorrect! I prefer having a higher-paying job with longer hours than having a lower-paying job with shorter hours.

That is wrong! Remember the pattern: "prefer X to Y" or "prefer X over Y".

correct! I prefer having a higher-paying job with longer hours to having a lower-paying job with shorter hours.
"If / Imaginary" questions
An "If / Imaginary" question will give you a hypothetical – an imagined situation and ask what you would do or what you would choose. Rather than choosing between two things or two opinions, you are typically not limited in your choice. That is, you can choose anything that fits the situation.

Here is an example:
  • If you had a small amount of money, would you spend it right away or save it? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
When you write your response to an "If / Imaginary Question", remember that you should use the Conditional Sentence Type 2 so you can start your response like the following:

If I had a small amount of money, I would choose to save it for a number of reasons.
"If / Imaginary" questions
A "Description or Explanation" question will ask you to describe a certain type of person – especially the good qualities of a person – or explain something in the world. You might have to choose something to explain or you might be given something specific to explain. Questions may also ask you to explain why something is beneficial, important, or significant or you might have to explain the reasons for or effects of something.

Here are some examples:
  • Should using cell phones be permitted while driving? Use details and examples to support your explanation.
  • Should new university students all be required to read the same book in summer before they start their first course of study? Explain your answer.
  • Do you think bicycles will still be widely used in the future or replaced by other means of transportation?
  • What is an important benefit that an employer can offer to make sure employees are happy and healthy? Explain your answer.
  • Should college students be required to take at least one class in Philosophy?
To answer this question, you need to first form your opinion on the topic. You can use the following expressions to form your opinion.

In my opinion, _____
I strongly/firmly believe that _____
In my view, _____
As far as I am concerned, _____
It is my belief that _____


In my opinion, not all university students should be required to read the same book before entering their first year of study.
I firmly believe that the use of cellphones should be prohibited while driving.
In my view, bicycles will become obsolete due to the emergence of other means of transportation.
As far as I am concerned, the most important benefit that an employer can offer to make sure employees are happy and healthy is a great health care package.
It is my belief that it should not be a requirement that all college students take at least one philosophy class.
"Advantage and Disadvantage" questions
The last style of question is "Advantage and Disadvantage". These questions ask you to give your opinion on a topic and specifically tell you to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the topic. Look at the following example questions:
  • Should universities allow students to watch TV in their dormitories? What is your opinion and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV in dormitories? Include reasons and examples to support your response.
  • Should young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports? What is your opinion and why? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
So this style of question requires you to know various ways of talking about advantages and disadvantages. It is helpful to be familiar with all the different synonyms you can use for advantage and disadvantage.
  • Advantages and disadvantages
  • Upsides and downsides
  • Benefits and drawbacks
  • pros and cons
  • Positive aspects and negative aspects

For a sentence like this "Living in a small city has advantages and disadvantages" can be expressed as the following:
- Living in a small city has pros and cons.
- Living in a small city has upsides and downsides.
- Living in a small city has benefits and drawbacks.
- Living in a small city has positive and negative aspects.
Let's have a look at a template you can use for this style of question.

____ has an advantage and a disadvantage.
The advantage of ___ is ____. …..(add more details about the advantage)
On the other hand, there is a disadvantage to ____ (Verb-ing + o). …… (add more details about the disadvantage)
In conclusion,____ has pros and cons, but the advantage outweighs the disadvantage (or the disadvantage outweighs the advantage).
Therefore, I think ___ .
Should university allow students to watch TV in their dormitories? What is your opinion and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV in dormitories? Include reasons and examples to support your response.
Allowing students to watch TV in their dormitories has an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage of students watching TV in their dormitories is that the TV can help them escape from stress and relax. This will more or less help their grades and their lifestyles. On the other hand, there is a disadvantage to watching TV in dormitories for students. TV can be extremely distracting. Some students will have a hard time concentrating on their studies while watching TV. Other students might be affected by the noise of TV while studying. In conclusion, watching TV in dormitories has pros and cons, but the disadvantage outweighs the advantage. Therefore, I believe that schools should not allow students to watch TV in their dormitories.
Tips to get a high score
1. Read your response out loud clearly and be enthusiastic with your response.

2. You can paraphrase the prompt to give your first sentence.

3. Be specific about your supporting details and examples. The trick is to use sentence structure like "If I...., I..." or "When I ..., I ..." when providing supporting details and examples.
In TOEFL Independent Speaking 1 section, you will see the following two types of questions.
1. Some people like to A. Other people like to B. Which of these do you prefer? Why?
2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? .________________

When you answer the question, you should spend 5 ~ 10 seconds to state your preference or your opinion on the statement. Then, you should spend about 15 - 20 seconds to present your first reason and another 15 - 20 seconds to present your second reason. The use of conjunction is important while connecting different reasons. Finally, you should leave the last 5 seconds to summarize your opinion or your preference.

Below are some phrases that you can use to express your preference.
Phrases
Although some people ___, I prefer ___ because ___
Although there are many good reasons why ___, I prefer ___ because ___
Although there are many good reasons why ___, I favor ___ because ___
Although there are many good reasons why ___, my preference is___ because ___
Although a good judgement can be made for ___, my preference is ___ because ___

Below are some phrases that you can use to express your opinions.
Support the opinionOppose the opinion
I believe (that) ..I don't believe (that) ..
I think (that) ..I don't think (that) ..
In my opinion, students should be permitted to..In my opinion, students should not be permitted to..
I agree with the statement that..I disagree with the statement that..
It is my belief that students should be allowed to..It is my belief that students should not be allowed to...
It is my view that students should be required to..It is my belief that students should not be required to...

For a question like "Do you agree or disagree with that music classes are not necessary?", you can use the following phrases to express your opinion.
PhrasesExample sentence
In my opinion, there is no need to ..In my opinion, there is no need for students to wear uniforms
In my opinion, it is necessary for .. that..In my opinion, it is necessary for schools to provide club activities
In my opinion, it is unnecessary for .. that..In my opinion, it is unnecessary for students to do household tasks
In my opinion, it is essential that ..In my opinion, it is essential that students are exposed to the music
In my opinion, it is vitally important that ..In my opinion, it is vitally important that people use cellphones during school hours
In my opinion, it is critical that ..In my opinion, it is critical that primary school teachers have good communication skills..
In my opinion, it is crucial that ..In my opinion, it is crucial that students focus on a particular field of study..

While rating your responses on the Speaking questions, ETS test scorers evaluate how well you develop your topic and deliver your message. To get a high score (26-30) on the Speaking Section, you should know how to use conjunctions to connect sentences and create complex relationships between ideas.
ADDITION CONTRAST CAUSE EFFECT EXAMPLE SUMMARY TIME SEQUENCE
And

Also

Moreover

Furthermore

In addition

Additionally

Besides

But

However

Although

Even though

Though

Despite that

In spite of

Despite of

Nevertheless

Nonetheless

In contrast

On the contrary

Conversely

On the other hand

Whereas

While

As opposed to

Contray to

Because

For

Since

Now that

So

Consequently

As a result

Therefore

Hence

Thus

For example

For instance

To illustrate

As an illustration

In conclusion

To sum up

To conclude

For these reasons

in conclusion

in short

to summarize

on the whole

in simpler terms

First of all

Firstly

Secondly

Last but not least

close