English pronunciation: The letter V

Five very fast vehicles swerved violently.

Say that five times fast!

The English pronunciation of the letter V may be different from your language. Sometimes it doesn't matter - the listener may understand or may not notice the difference. But sometimes it DOES matter, especially when your listener is old, like me, or perhaps more importantly, when there are words that are similar in pronunciation:

  • very
  • berry
  • weary
  • ferry

So how should you pronounce the letter V in English? It's actually pretty easy!

The mouth formation for the letter V is very similar to how the mouth forms the letter F:
The bottom lip touches the tip of the upper teeth.

With the letter F, you blow air with some voiceless force. Say, "FINALLY!" like you are excited that a new movie opened. Put your hand in front of your mouth as you are saying it. Feel the air coming out strong? Maybe you spit a little. Maybe that's just me. It happens, ok?

Anyway.

With the letter V, you kind of vibrate, or blow softly, using your voice. Try saying, "Very vexing," (because that movie was confusing!) with your hand in front of your mouth. See how much softer it is? Although the lip made the same formation.

Now, try saying, "Five very fast vehicles swerved violently." See? Pretty easy, right? You sound great! Keep practicing. Your pronunciation will be clearer - for old folks like me!

Have a very vibrant day!


2 settembre 2016
Profile Picture
20 USD
USD/h

Leslie

security_checked
5.0
20 USD
USD/h
Flag
Inglese
globe
Stati Uniti d'America
time
1.917
Parla:
Inglese
Madrelingua
Hi! I'm Leslie. I live in Texas, USA. I offer primarily conversation classes. Grammar and rules are important, but I think being able to communicate is more important, so I like to get people talking! Traveling? Small talk? Cultural questions? Interview? Meeting future in-laws? Long term classes or just a few? No problem! A typical session lasts one hour. If you prefer a 30 minute class or need another time not on my schedule please message me, and we can discuss it. Feel free to contact me about your English speaking needs, goals, or any questions you might have. **Please note: once a session starts, I usually wait 10 minutes to see if the student shows up. Then I close the class. You can always message me if you have an issue and we can reschedule. Thanks!**
Flag
Inglese
globe
Stati Uniti d'America
time
1.917
Parla:
Inglese
Madrelingua
Hi! I'm Leslie. I live in Texas, USA. I offer primarily conversation classes. Grammar and rules are important, but I think being able to communicate is more important, so I like to get people talking! Traveling? Small talk? Cultural questions? Interview? Meeting future in-laws? Long term classes or just a few? No problem! A typical session lasts one hour. If you prefer a 30 minute class or need another time not on my schedule please message me, and we can discuss it. Feel free to contact me about your English speaking needs, goals, or any questions you might have. **Please note: once a session starts, I usually wait 10 minutes to see if the student shows up. Then I close the class. You can always message me if you have an issue and we can reschedule. Thanks!**
Mi vida antes del Covid- 19 (IMPERFECTO) A-2
Profile Picture
Alejandra Santiago
7 agosto 2020
팔랑귀
Profile Picture
Abby H
7 agosto 2020
The Origins of popular English Idioms
Profile Picture
Jen Mc Monagle
7 agosto 2020