How to Use this Chart
Monophthong vowels: are arranged by mouth shape:
- From left > right: Lips go from wide > round.
- From top > bottom: Jaw goes from closed > open.
The first two rows of consonants: are paired as following:
- Above: voiceless
- Below: voiced
Use the play buttons to listen to the pronunciation of each vowel
and consonant. The descriptions below each one provide examples of
common words featuring the sound.
Learn More About English Pronunciation
The English language has a wide variety of sounds that can be
challenging to master. Our interactive chart helps you understand
and practice these sounds to improve your accent and pronunciation
skills. Remember, practice makes perfect — keep trying until you
feel more comfortable with the sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a monophthong vowel?
A: A monophthong is a vowel sound that has a single perceived auditory
quality. This means the tongue and other parts of the mouth don't move
and the quality of the vowel doesn't change as you say it.
Q: What is the difference between a voiced and a voiceless
consonant?
A: The main difference is that voiced consonants require the vocal cords
to vibrate, whereas voiceless consonants do not.
Q: Can this chart help improve my English accent?
A: Absolutely! Training your ear to hear the differences in sound and
practicing them can help improve your English pronunciation.
Q: Why is the correct pronunciation of English phonetics
important?
A: Correct pronunciation is key to effective communication in any language.
Accurate pronunciation of phonetics in English makes it easier for you
to convey your thoughts clearly and for others to understand what you're
saying. In other words, the better your pronunciation, the better your
communication will be.
Q: What are the top tips for improving English pronunciation?
A: Practice regularly, preferably daily. Listen to native English speakers
as much as possible in various contexts, such as television, music, or
podcasts. Try to imitate the sounds and rhythms they use. Use pronunciation
tools and charts, like the one on this page.
Q: How can I use a phonetics chart to learn English
pronunciation?
A: A phonetics chart provides visual cues to the sounds of a language.
By associating each sound with a written symbol, you can more easily
remember the unique sounds in English. Practice making the sounds as
you look at the symbol or written character.
Q: What are the most common mistakes in English pronunciation
and how to avoid them?
A: Some common mistakes involve pronouncing silent letters, mispronouncing
vowels and consonants, and incorrect word stress. Learning the International
Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help you avoid many of these mistakes by
providing a clear reference for each sound in the English language.
Q: What is the difference between a monophthong and a
diphthong?
A: A monophthong is a single, pure vowel sound. A diphthong is a complex
vowel sound that begins with one vowel sound and moves to another vowel
sound in the same syllable.