English Pronunciation Guide
Master the sounds of English with our comprehensive pronunciation guide. Learn IPA symbols, stress patterns, and techniques for clear, confident speaking.
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a system of symbols that represents the sounds of spoken language. Each symbol corresponds to a specific sound, making it easier to learn correct pronunciation.
Vowel Sounds
More Vowel Sounds
Voiced Consonants
Voiceless Consonants
Special Sounds
Word stress is crucial for clear communication in English. Stressing the wrong syllable can change meaning or make words difficult to understand.
Stress Patterns
Two-Syllable Words
Three-Syllable Words
Stress Changes Meaning
Difficult Sound Combinations
TH Sounds
Voiceless /θ/: think, three, bath
Voiced /ð/: this, that, breathe
Tip: Put tongue between teeth
R vs L Sounds
/r/: red, very, car
/l/: light, silly, call
Tip: Tongue position is key
V vs W Sounds
/v/: very, love, seven
/w/: water, away, twelve
Tip: /v/ uses teeth on lip
Tricky Words
Silent Letters
Silent B
Silent K
Silent L
Silent W
Daily Practice Routine
Listen & Repeat
Use pronunciation apps, YouTube videos, or audio dictionaries daily
Record Yourself
Compare your pronunciation with native speakers
Mirror Practice
Watch your mouth movements while speaking
Minimal Pairs
Practice words that differ by one sound (ship/sheep)
Learning Strategies
Shadowing Technique
Speak along with audio recordings to match rhythm and intonation
Focus on Problem Sounds
Identify your specific challenges and practice them intensively
Use IPA Charts
Learn to read phonetic transcriptions for accurate pronunciation
Get Feedback
Work with teachers or native speakers for correction
Remember: Progress Takes Time
Pronunciation improvement is a gradual process. Focus on consistency rather than perfection. Even small improvements in pronunciation can significantly enhance your communication effectiveness.