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.
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Recorder will be available after subscribing.Question: Do you think that parents should be allowed to educate their children at home, or should they be required to send children to school outside the home? Support your answer.
You have 15 seconds to prepare you answer
00:15
Question: Do you think that parents should be allowed to educate their children at home, or should they be required to send children to school outside the home? Support your answer.
Recorder will be available after subscribing.
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cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ð/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 80% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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>. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/p/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 64% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/p/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/d/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 66% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/g/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/jh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/jh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/d/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/j/
play_circle_filled
/y/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɔ/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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. |
cancel 67% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/f/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/r/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 80% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 28% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/n/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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>. |
cancel 74% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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. |
cancel 80% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ð/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/d/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ch/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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>. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 73% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/y/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ð/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/p/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/θ/
play_circle_filled
/th/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 48% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/l/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/dʒ/
play_circle_filled
/jh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/f/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 80% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ð/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/b/
play_circle_filled
/b/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/b/
play_circle_filled
/b/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 70% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/dʒ/
play_circle_filled
/jh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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>. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/h/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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>. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
Pronunciation: 89% Fluency: 93% Grammar: 75% Coherence: 90% Vocab: 80% Relevance: 95%
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."
Strengths
The response directly answers the question about current or most recent educational experience, describing program type, field, pacing, and how it fits with work.
The student includes relevant contextual details (part-time study, evening/online classes, program length), which align well with the study topic.
Weaknesses
The answer is mostly complete but could give a bit more specificity about learning goals or skills sought; for example the speaker says "I realized I needed stronger skills" without specifying which skills were needed.
Strengths
The response follows a clear, logical sequence: current status, past degree, reason for returning to study, logistical details, and current situation, which makes it easy to follow.
Transitions between ideas are natural and the overall narrative is concise, which supports listener comprehension.
Weaknesses
There are small moments of colloquial filler and mild contradiction that slightly interrupt flow, such as "which is kind of exhausting, but it's also convenient," where tightening the phrasing would improve smoothness.
Strengths
The student uses relevant, domain-specific vocabulary such as "data analytics", "part-time", "psychology degree", and "juggling" which clearly situates their educational context.
The language includes useful descriptive words like "exhausting" and "convenient" that convey personal perspective effectively.
Weaknesses
There are a few collocation and register slips that make the phrasing slightly less natural; for example the transcript wording "part-time master program" would be more idiomatically expressed as "part-time master's program" or "part-time master's degree program".
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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>. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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>. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɛ/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 79% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 59% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/l/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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. |
cancel 79% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ch/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/n/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 54% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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. |
cancel 67% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/h/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 53% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/d/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/d/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 70% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ð/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/f/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/b/
play_circle_filled
/b/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/f/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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. |
cancel 69% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/j/
play_circle_filled
/y/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/jh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/b/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 70% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/jh/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/b/
play_circle_filled
/b/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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>. |
cancel 73% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/f/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/h/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ð/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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>. |
cancel 64% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/f/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ð/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
Pronunciation: 89% Fluency: 94% Grammar: 65% Coherence: 80% Vocab: 75% Relevance: 90%
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.
Strengths
You stay on topic throughout, describing how elementary and middle school, high school, and college differed and naming clear factors such as class size, teacher attention, and course choice — for example, "it's small classes. Teacher knows my name" and "College brought me back because I finally had the freedom to choose courses that interest me."
Weaknesses
The response is concise but could give more specific details about how those factors affected motivation or learning; for instance, the statement "I felt a bit like a factory" introduces a strong impression but isn't expanded to explain which aspects felt that way or why.
Strengths
Your response follows a clear chronological order (elementary/middle school → high school → college), which helps the listener follow your experience; transitions like "High school was a different story" and the summary "So yeah" create a coherent narrative arc.
Weaknesses
Some phrasing interrupts smooth flow and makes parts feel abrupt or informal, such as the compressed expression "adjust-get-by mentality," which breaks the natural rhythm and clarity of the account.
Strengths
You use clear, everyday vocabulary that makes your meaning easy to follow, and you employ effective figurative language such as calling the large classes “a bit like a factory” to convey feeling.
Weaknesses
Your range is somewhat limited and occasionally you create awkward compounds that reduce clarity, as in the phrase "adjust-get-by mentality" and the singular in "a mixed feeling," which would be stronger as "mixed feelings."
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ch/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɚ/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɑ/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/d/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 79% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/g/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/p/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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>. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/r/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 73% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɔ/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɛ/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/jh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ʃ/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/y/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/r/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ch/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 68% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 79% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/d/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/b/
play_circle_filled
/b/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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>. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/d/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/p/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 79% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/n/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ð/
play_circle_filled
/dh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 80% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 46% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/r/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/h/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/p/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/f/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 79% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 69% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/y/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ch/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 66% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/g/
play_circle_filled
/g/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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. |
Pronunciation: 92% Fluency: 91% Grammar: 45% Coherence: 60% Vocab: 60% Relevance: 85%
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."
Strengths
Your response stays on topic throughout, addressing how motivation has changed from early academic rewards to curiosity and now to career practicality.
You give clear, relevant examples (home achievements, research interests, master's degree goals) that support your main point.
Weaknesses
Occasional unclear phrasing reduces precision: the line "So, it's more fun still to internal curiosities" weakens the connection between personal interest and career motivation and could be clarified to strengthen relevance.
Strengths
Your answer follows a generally logical chronological order (early school, then curiosity, now master's/career), which helps listeners follow your development.
Key transitions such as moving from childhood rewards to curiosity and then to practicality provide an overall coherent narrative arc.
Weaknesses
Some sentences are disjointed and make the narrative choppy; for example, the jump "Then encouraging the motivation shift to curiosities" interrupts the flow and would benefit from a clearer connector or rephrasing.
Ambiguous phrasing like "career survival motivation, which I feel I'm grown up, I guess so" muddles the conclusion and weakens the wrap-up of your story.
Strengths
You use a range of useful academic and career-related words such as practicality, relevant, and promotion that communicate your ideas clearly.
You also show curiosity vocabulary like research and curiosities, which helps express your intellectual interests.
Weaknesses
Some word choices are awkward or misused, which can confuse the listener — for example, the phrase "goal stars" seems unintended and distracts from your meaning.
Colloquial or incorrect verbs appear in places, as in "stack my report card on the fridge," which likely aimed for a different verb and reduces clarity.
cancel 75% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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>. |
cancel 57% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ah/ |
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>. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/θ/
play_circle_filled
/th/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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>. |
cancel 28% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/j/
play_circle_filled
/y/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 68% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/p/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/z/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 58% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/f/
play_circle_filled
/f/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/θ/
play_circle_filled
/th/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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>. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aʊ/
play_circle_filled
/aw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/n/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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. |
cancel 61% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/iy/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/y/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/j/
play_circle_filled
/y/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/w/
play_circle_filled
/w/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 69% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/er/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 80% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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>. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ɔ/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 82% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/p/
play_circle_filled
/p/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aa/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/b/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/s/
play_circle_filled
/s/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ao/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/v/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/æ/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/d/ |
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. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/k/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ae/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/b/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/r/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ey/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/sh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/n/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ow/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/h/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aw/ |
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. |
cancel 94% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 68% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 91% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/h/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aw/ |
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. |
cancel 58% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/m/
play_circle_filled
/m/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/n/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/h/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/eh/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/l/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/th/ |
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. |
cancel 85% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/θ/
play_circle_filled
/th/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ih/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/ng/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/k/ |
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>. |
cancel 79% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/ax/ |
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>. |
cancel 88% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/aɪ/
play_circle_filled
/ay/ |
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. |
cancel 80% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/ə/
play_circle_filled
/h/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/aw/ |
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. |
cancel 76% accurate
| sound | you said |
|---|---|
|
/t/
play_circle_filled
/t/ |
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/
play_circle_filled
/uw/ |
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. |
Pronunciation: 85% Fluency: 89% Grammar: 70% Coherence: 85% Vocab: 75% Relevance: 90%
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.
Strengths
Directly answers the prompt about whether education prepares people for real life and offers clear suggestions: more problem solving, collaboration, and mental health education.
References to current tools and trends like "AI and Google" show awareness of modern learning resources and anchor the response in the question.
Weaknesses
The response remains on-topic but is brief and lacks supporting detail; for example, saying "AI and Google is so convenient to use now" does not explain how that should change teaching practice.
Suggestions such as "classes spend more time on problem solving and collaboration" are relevant but would be stronger with concrete examples of activities or curricula.
Strengths
The answer follows a clear structure: an overall judgment, a diagnosis of the problem, and proposed solutions, which makes the response easy to follow.
Points progress logically from criticizing test-focused learning to proposing skills-based instruction and mental health support.
Weaknesses
Informal fillers interrupt the flow and create minor coherence gaps, for example "you know" appears in "you know, especially AI and Google is so convenient to use now."
Some sentences end abruptly or lack connective detail, as in "and even know how to manage mental health," which leaves unclear who should "know" and how that would be taught.
Strengths
Uses clear, relevant terms such as "problem solving," "collaboration," "mental health," and "AI and Google," which suit the topic and make the message immediate.
Word choices are conversational and appropriate for a spoken answer, helping the listener grasp the main points quickly.
Weaknesses
The range of vocabulary is limited; phrases like "you know" are filler rather than content, as in "you know, especially AI and Google is so convenient to use now."
Some word combinations are awkward and reduce fluency — for example, "could use a serious improvement" sounds slightly off and would be stronger as "could use serious improvement" or "could use a major improvement."
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.
Criteria Score Reports
Task Fulfillment 4/5
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
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Pronunciation & Intonation 4/5
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
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Flow & Speech 4/5
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
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Correct Grammar Usage 3/5
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.
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Vocabulary Usage (Appropriacy and Range) 3/5
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.
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Support & Development 4/5
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.
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Connections & Coherence 4/5
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.
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No Speaking Answer Found
You must submit a speaking response before using this training exercise.
speaking LessonsCompleted: 0 / 77
MASTER TOEFL SPEAKING TASK 1
Prepare for all 5 question styles
- Agree or Disagree
- Preference
- If/Imaginary
- Description or Explanation
- 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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
If I had a small amount of money, I would choose to save it for a number of reasons.
"If / Imaginary" questions
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?
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
- 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.
- 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.
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 ___ .
Tips to get a high score
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.
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 opinion | Oppose 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.
| Phrases | Example 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.. |
| 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 |