Today in the classroom you are going to learn to
pronounce the sound th as
in the words this,
these,
together,
smooth. Remember "practice
makes perfect" if you want to improve your English speaking ability.
Hey
if you cannot understand something on this page,
then use the Fun Easy English
dictionary
(opens in a new window)
Pronounce the sound th as
in the words this,
these,
together,
smooth. Watch the
following pronunciation videos and learn to pronounce this
sound correctly.
This is a VOICED sound which means Your Vocal Cords DO
vibrate when making this sound.
You CAN
LISTEN to your Vocal Cords vibrating if you cover
your ears with your hands.
Try covering your ears with your hands as Akiko is doing in
the picture.
Now make the sound of this lesson. Can you listen to your vocal cords vibrating?
VERY GOOD
You CAN
FEEL your Vocal Cords vibrating if
you place your hands on your neck.
Try placing your hands on your neck as Akiko is doing in the
picture.
Now make the sound of this lesson. Can you feel your vocal
cords vibrating?
VERY GOOD
The following diagram shows the most important parts of your
head and mouth used for pronouncing the sounds of English.
It also shows the location of your Vocal Cords.
Mouth, lips,
and tongue position
The following descriptions explain the proper mouth, lips,
and tongue position when you make this sound.
Mouth
Your
mouth releases air continuously.
Lips
Your lips should be slightly separated.
Tongue
The front part of your tongue should be between your upper teeth and
your lower teeth.
Practice video
Listen to the video and practice repeating each word.
Pronunciation practice words
Look at your mouth in a mirror and practice pronouncing
the following words. Make sure your mouth, lips, and
tongue are in their proper positions.
this
these
that
those
then
than
they
though
together
them
smooth
soothe
Note: the red letters all
have the same sound (watch the video above)
Pronunciation word test
Try saying the following tongue twister
as quickly as possible.
This, that, these, and those, words used for things, thought
undisclosed.
From
YOUR Teacher:
Pronouncing the other TH
This sound, along with the TH in the previous
pronunciation lesson, is particularly difficult for students
coming from Japan or other countries where showing your
tongue is considered bad manner. To pronounce this sound
correctly though you need to allow your tongue to stick
out of your mouth and rest between your upper and lower
front teeth at the beginning of the sound.
Additional Information
Study Tips
(Beginner - Listening)
Avoid Ineffective Study Methods. An audio lesson to help
you study English more effectively. The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed. Great English study tips.
Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this
audio program.
You CAN
LISTEN to your Vocal Cords vibrating if you cover
your ears with your hands.
You CAN
FEEL your Vocal Cords vibrating if
you place your hands on your neck.
Mouth
Lips
Tongue
