English pronunciation: common problems and their solutions
Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2025 5:10 am
One of the problems with English is that the pronunciation of words doesn't necessarily have anything to do with their spelling. That's why we see spelling bees for children in American movies. This means that when it usa phone number list to spelling and pronunciation, you don't have to follow generic rules, and you have to learn a lot of words by heart. Don't worry!
In this article we'll help you with your English pronunciation: common problems and their solutions .
Free ebook_tips to improve your spoken English level
Confusing consonant sounds
This article explains the phonetics of consonants. Pay attention to these details:
There’s an important difference between the “y” and the “j .” The “y,” as in yes , yet , or yellow , is almost like a Spanish “i,” but the “j,” as in just , jet , or jump , sounds similar to the Spanish “y.” That’s why many people end up saying jet (a type of airplane) instead of yet . Pay attention to this when you say “ yes .” Does it sound like you’re saying “Jessica”? Soften the sound toward an “ies.”
The initial "h" ( house, him, her ) is very soft, never like a Spanish "j" . It's like the sound you make to warm your hands with your breath.
The English “w” is not a “g” . Try to make it sound more like a “u” – that is, avoid saying “ what ” like “guat” and try to make it sound more like “uot”. This is a very common mistake among Spanish speakers.
Final consonants matter . Sometimes it’s just the difference between singular and plural, or between second and third person, but other times… bike can be understood as bye , plate as play , or peak as pee . Make your own list of common mistakes and practice.
In this article we'll help you with your English pronunciation: common problems and their solutions .
Free ebook_tips to improve your spoken English level
Confusing consonant sounds
This article explains the phonetics of consonants. Pay attention to these details:
There’s an important difference between the “y” and the “j .” The “y,” as in yes , yet , or yellow , is almost like a Spanish “i,” but the “j,” as in just , jet , or jump , sounds similar to the Spanish “y.” That’s why many people end up saying jet (a type of airplane) instead of yet . Pay attention to this when you say “ yes .” Does it sound like you’re saying “Jessica”? Soften the sound toward an “ies.”
The initial "h" ( house, him, her ) is very soft, never like a Spanish "j" . It's like the sound you make to warm your hands with your breath.
The English “w” is not a “g” . Try to make it sound more like a “u” – that is, avoid saying “ what ” like “guat” and try to make it sound more like “uot”. This is a very common mistake among Spanish speakers.
Final consonants matter . Sometimes it’s just the difference between singular and plural, or between second and third person, but other times… bike can be understood as bye , plate as play , or peak as pee . Make your own list of common mistakes and practice.