Introduction
Isabel has sent us a question. She wants to know how to get better at pronouncing ‘th’ sounds.
Phil’s four tips
1. There are two sounds that we often write ‘th’: /θ/ as in ‘three’ and /ð/ as in ‘this’. To say them do this:
- Touch your front teeth with the top of your tongue. Your tongue should stick out.
- For /θ/, blow air between your front teeth and the top of your tongue.
- For /ð/ use your vocal chords to make the sound.
2. If it sounds like an /s/ or /z/ sound, you might still have your tongue behind your teeth. Try bringing your tongue forward.
3. If it sounds like a /t/ or a /d/ sound, you might be blocking the air with your tongue. Make sure some air goes between your teeth and your tongue.
4. If it sounds like a /f/ or a /v/ sound, you’re probably using your lips instead of your tongue. Make sure you put your tongue between your teeth.