With this exercise you’re going to practise the /θ/, /ð/ and /s/ sounds (as in the words “thin”, “then” and “sun”).
1-minute pronunciation exercise
Exercise task: Say these sets of words out loud. To check that you’re saying them correctly, click the red arrows and press Play to hear the words said by a native speaker.
Have a look at the transcriptions and notice the /θ/, /ð/ and /s/ sounds.
Before moving on to the next flashcard, play the words again and say them out loud along with the recordings.
English pronunciation tip
Avoid producing a /s/ instead of a /θ/. If you place the tip of your tongue close to the ridge behind your top front teeth, your /θ/ is going to sound more like a /s/.
To produce a clear /θ/, make sure your teeth are slightly parted and the tip of your tongue is showing between your top and bottom teeth. Let’s compare /θ/ and /s/:
Practise saying words like: mouth – mouse, faith – face, think – sink, thigh – sigh.