Minimal Pair /b/ and /v/
as in berry and very
Below is a list of words that vary only by one having the sound /b/ and the other the sound /v/.
You can use this list to practise the sounds, or as a list of words to be careful in pronouncing.
/b/ has the same mouth position as /p/, but using your voice. Try saying /p/ and then holding your neck to make sure that your voice is being used when you say /b/. There should be a sudden release of air as you say the sound, meaning that it is impossible to extend it.
/v/ has the same mouth shape as /f/, but using your voice. Put your top teeth on your bottom lip. It is possible to extend this sound for as long as you like.
If you are practising on your own, try saying both words and making sure your pronunciation of each is different, for example by looking at your mouth shape in the mirror.Elementary
B V
berry very
Pre-Intermediate
ban van
bat vat
beer veer
boat vote
bowl vole
serb serve
Intermediate
bars vase
best vest
bet vet
bowels vowels
gibbon given
Upper-Intermediate
bale veil
bent vent
bury very
bow vow
Advanced
bane vein
bat vat
beer veer
bid vid
bile vile
biz viz
bolt volt
bowels vowels
bowl vole
broom vroom
curb curve
dribble drivel
dub dove
fibre fiver
jibe jive
lobes loaves
rebel revel
verb verve