By Miranda Carter

Some sounds used in the English language are unique and hard to pronounce. Are you having trouble with certain vowel or consonant sounds? Do some numbers sound the same when you speak them aloud? Let’s try a couple of good ways to practice pronunciation. The more you practice, the better your speaking skills will become, and the less you will sound like the Swedish chef from the Muppet Show!

Pronouncing Numbers

You may find it difficult to pronounce numbers. For example, seventy sounds very similar to seventeen, forty sounds like fourteen, and so on. A good way to practice making these different sounds is to read prices out loud. Try this:
• $14.40
• $18.80
• .20c
• .30c
• $13.00
• Fifteen dollars and fifty cents
• Seventy dollars and seven cents

Watch Your Tongue!

Young English speakers are taught learn how to pronounce words correctly by learning tongue twisters. You can use those too! They’re fun and sound funny. Try some of these. Start by saying them slowly and gradually increase your speed.

Beginner

World Wide Web
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
A big black bug bit a big black dog on his big black nose!

Intermediate

Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?
I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I won’t wish the wish you wish to wish.
Four furious friends fought for the phone.

Expert

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?
Send toast to ten tense stout saints’ ten tall tents.
Toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat, toy boat.

It is helpful to record yourself saying these phrases and prices so that you can track your progress. Remember, practice makes perfect!