About this lesson
Some English sounds are hard because your own language does not use them, or uses them differently. The teachers in this mix agree on the basic method: hear the difference first, then copy it, and treat each sound as a physical target. Where is your tongue? What are your lips doing? Is your voice on or off? A mirror or your fingers on your throat can check the answer.
Minimal pairs, two words that differ by one sound, are the standard tool. You listen and say which is which, then say each word, then use both in sentences, slowly and then faster. Several teachers also ask you to overdo the mouth shape at first and relax it later, to work on one sound at a time, and to replace the old habit instead of only learning the new sound.
No video here promises a fast fix, and none should. Changing a sound takes short, repeated practice over weeks. Teachers also differ on small details, such as how much length matters in a vowel pair or how to describe the r sound, so use the clips for the idea and check your mouth against what you hear.
Examples from the clips
- Peachie Speechie, a speech therapist, trains you to sort two similar sounds by listening first and then to say each pair back.
- Accent's Way English with Hadar shows how tense lips and tongue, compared with a relaxed mouth, separate one common vowel pair.
- ETJ English asks you to exaggerate the mouth shape for a vowel pair, drill the bare sounds, and only then add words.
- mmmEnglish and Rachel's English show where the tongue goes for th and for r, and which common slips to avoid.
Questions this lesson answers
How do I practise difficult English sounds?
Pick one sound pair, listen until you can hear the difference, then say it slowly in words and sentences. Check your mouth with a mirror and keep each session short.
What is a minimal pair?
Two words that differ by only one sound. They help you hear and say the difference that matters.
Can I fix my accent in a few days?
No shortcut does that. You can make one sound clearer with short daily practice, but expect weeks, not days, and a lot of listening.
Do I need to learn phonetic symbols?
Not necessarily. They can help, but several teachers here teach with listening, mouth shape and mirror checks alone.
Should my tongue bite or press on my teeth for th?
No. Only the tip of the tongue touches or sits between the teeth, and it stays relaxed. You do not need to press or clamp.