Pronounce W and V in English

How do you say the thing that is water in the ocean that comes and goes and crashes? Do you know what I’m talking about? WAVES or vaves or wayz? It is W-A-V-ES . Two sounds in English that can sometimes be confused are the W sound and the V sound. In English, these sounds are unique and can change the meaning of the word, so it is important to be able to hear and say the difference.

How to pronounce V:

○     Keep tongue relaxed

○     Touch bottom lip to top teeth

○     Use vocal cords to vibrate

Practice words:

Very, vine, value, advice, positive

How to pronounce W:

○     Round lips into a tight circle, but do not close the mouth or touch the lips or teeth together

o   Tense and raise tongue to the back of the mouth

o   Use voice, vibration

Practice words:

When, What, Wow, Wine, Weather

Here are a few minimal pairs, where the words sound the exact same except for the V and W. Practice saying each pair.

1. Vest                                        West

2. Vile                                         While

3. Vet                                          Wet

4. Vine                                        Wine

5. Very                                        Wary

Practice Sentences:

1. Whenever I take a vacation, I visit my mom.

2. Valery was promoted to Vice President.

3. They wandered around the woods for a few hours before going home.

Watch this video to hear the sounds of W & V.

And remember…

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Keep practicing!

Your turn: What are some W or V words that you struggle with? Tell us in the comments below. —->