English Pronunciation
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.
- What is Pronunciation?
- What's the Difference Between Vowels and Consonants?
- Pronunciation Quizzes
- Pronunciation Games
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!
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
Pronunciation Terms
Glossary of words and expressions
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.
When to Say a or an
How do we know when to use the indefinite article a or an?
How to Pronounce -ed π
How do we say the -ed in words like worked, played, divided?
How to Pronounce the π
How do we know when to say "the" or "thee"?
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"!
Helps you type those fancy IPA symbols like /Κ€/ or /Ι/.
People often ask
FAQ: frequently asked pronunciation questions
- Is it pronounciation or pronunciation?
- How can I improve my English pronunciation?
- What is the difference between a short and a long vowel?
- What is the ASCII phonetic alphabet?
- Should I study British or American pronunciation?
- What is the difference between voiced and unvoiced (voiceless)?
- Is pronunciation important?
- What is the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)?
- What are the brackets and slashes in pronunciation transcription?
- What is the difference between phonetic and phonemic?
More Pronunciation Articles
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. Here’s 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.
Word and Sentence Stress - The Key to English Pronunciation
Why stress can help your pronunciation.
Pronunciation Games Online
How good is your English pronunciation? Try these fun mobile-friendly online games to find out (and improve your pronunciation, speaking and even listening):
Recommended Pronunciation Links
- English Phonology at Wikipedia
- Introduction to Phonetics (video)
- Essential Phonetics for English Language Teachers (ebook)
- 15 English words you're pronouncing WRONG (video - AmE)
- Howjsay: Online Talking Dictionary of English Pronunciation
- BBC Learning English: Pronunciation
To correct an Englishman's pronunciation is to imply that he is not quite a gentleman.George Bernard Shaw