How To Pronounce the 'TH' Sound - Quick and Easy Guide for English Learners!

Introduction

Hello! My name is Laura, and I am an English teacher. One of the biggest challenges my students face in English pronunciation is the 'th' sound. Many learners may find this sound difficult, but don’t worry! I’m here to help you master it with this quick and easy guide.

Understanding the 'TH' Sounds

In English, there are actually two distinct types of 'th' sounds: the unvoiced 'th' and the voiced 'th'.

The Unvoiced 'TH' Sound

The unvoiced 'th' is slightly easier to produce. When you make this sound, there should be no vibration in your throat. To check if you’re making the sound correctly, place your hand on your throat and ensure you don’t feel any buzzing.

Steps for Making the Unvoiced 'TH':

Stick your tongue out slightly — don’t be afraid of how it looks! Initially, your tongue should be quite far forward.
Keep your tongue between your teeth without biting hard.
Let the air pass over your tongue. Take a deep breath in, and then let the air out slowly, allowing it to flow over your tongue.

Let’s practice by combining the unvoiced 'th' with the five main vowels: a, e, i, o, and u. Here are a few examples:

'th' + a = 'tha'
'th' + e = 'thee'
'th' + i = 'thi'
'th' + o = 'tho'
'th' + u = 'thu'

Next, let’s try the 'th' sound at the end of vowel sounds:

a + 'th' = 'a-th'
i + 'th' = 'i-th'
o + 'th' = 'o-th'
u + 'th' = 'u-th'

Now let’s move on to some practice words: think, thought, theory, bath, worth, and cloth.

As you get more confident, you can reduce the duration of the 'th' sound, but ensure it remains audible.

The Voiced 'TH' Sound

With the voiced 'th', you should feel a vibration when you place your hand on your throat. This sound has a voice component.

Steps for Making the Voiced 'TH':

Again, stick your tongue out a little more.
Start with the unvoiced 'th' and then gradually add voice to it.
You can also start with an 'e' sound and then close your teeth over your tongue as you produce the sound.

Let’s practice:

'th' + a = 'they'
'th' + e = 'thee'
'th' + i = 'thy'
'th' + o = 'though'

Now, practice the words these, those, and the with a two-second 'th' sound.

Advanced Practice

Once you feel comfortable, challenge yourself by switching between the voiced and unvoiced 'th' sounds. Practice by pretending your tongue is a snake inside a cave — this mental image can help you articulate the 'th' sound properly, especially when it's next to other sounds, like 's'.

The Best Way to Improve

Ultimately, consistent practice is key. You don’t need to spend long hours; even 30 seconds a day dedicated to practicing the 'th' sound can lead to improvement.

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Keyword

English pronunciation
'th' sound
unvoiced 'th'
voiced 'th'
practice exercises
vowel combinations
tongue positioning
fluency challenges

FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between the unvoiced and voiced 'th' sounds?
A1: The unvoiced 'th' has no vibration produced in the throat, while the voiced 'th' includes a buzzing sound.

Q2: How can I practice the 'th' sound?
A2: You can practice by sticking your tongue out and producing the sound while combining it with vowels and practice words.

Q3: What should I do if I struggle with the 'th' sound?
A3: If you find it difficult, ensure you're not using your lips, and consider visualizing your tongue as a snake in a cave during practice.

Q4: How often should I practice the 'th' sound?
A4: Regular practice is essential; even 30 seconds a day can be effective for improvement.