Welcome to EnglishClub Pronunciation for ESL learners, where you'll find lessons and resources on the way we say words in English, many with audio for you to listen to.
Human Speech System
Basic explanation of the physical way that we make speech sounds, syllables and word
Word Stress π
The secret key to speaking English! Many languages don't use word stress but English does, and so must you! With Quiz
Sentence Stress π
Like word stress, sentence stress is a fundamental part of the English language. Your speech will improve immediately if you start using sentence stress!
Schwa - the Weak Vowel Sound Ζ
Schwa is the unstressed vowel sound "uh". Schwa is the most common vowel sound in English. It is a "lazy" sound and essential for listening and speaking.
Linking π
Linking is important in English. When we say a sentence, we join or "link" many of the words.
Homophones
Homophones are words that have exactly the same sound but different meanings and (usually) spelling. For example: hour/our or to/too/two
Minimal Pairs π
Words that vary by a single sound, for example cat/cut, or fly/fry
English is not Phonetic π
Always remember that English is not "phonetic". That means that we do not always say a word the same way that we spell it.
Interactive Phonemic Chart π
Click to hear each symbol and sample word. The symbols on this chart represent the 44 sounds used in British English speech.
Printable Phonemic Chart
The symbols on this chart represent the 44 sounds used in British English speech.
Pronouncing the Alphabet π
Listen to how we say the letters of the alphabet; and learn how to pronounce them correctly.
English Phonetic Spelling
When speaking on the telephone, it is sometimes useful to spell a word using English Phonetic Spelling.
How to Pronounce -ed π
How do we say the -ed in words like worked, played, divided?
How to Pronounce Contractions
Table of contractions for the verbs be, have and will, with homophones and speaking tips
What is it? π
What is Catherine Fanshawe talking about in this strange poem?
English Tongue-Twisters
Tongue-twisters are phrases that "twist your tongue"!
8 Ways to Sound More Like an American When You Speak English
Some surprising mistakes can keep you from sounding like a native U.S. English speaker. Hereβs how to fix them.
English is Not Phonetic
Spelling and pronunciation are not the same in English.
"Ghoti" = "Fish"
English is not phonetic. Why you can't tell how to pronounce a word by looking at it.
How good is your English pronunciation? Try these fun mobile-friendly online games to find out (and improve your pronunciation, speaking and even listening):
To correct an Englishman's pronunciation is to imply that he is not quite a gentleman. George Bernard Shaw
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