Mastering the American Accent » The American /r/

The American /r/

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Many languages have what is called a “rolling r,” where the tip of the tongue touches the gum ridge, similar to the /d/ sound, but with a quick and repeated motion. In contrast, the American /r/ is produced in the back of the mouth and the tip of the tongue never touches anywhere inside the mouth. There are different ways to produce the American r. Try the two described below and decide which one is easier for you.

Forming the American /r/

Method 1

Simply curl the lip of your tongue and pull it back a bit; keep the tongue tense		Method 2

Let the back of the tongue do all the work. Press the sides of your tongue up against the back teeth. In this case, you do not need to curl the tip of the tongue.

Words that End with r

Unlike the British r, the American r is always pronounced. It’s never silent. Pay particular attention to r when it appears at the end of a word: for, more, far, and teacher.

Words for Practice

  1. more
  2. here
  3. her
  4. four
  5. culture
  6. where
  7. sure
  8. car

Word Groups for Practice

All of the following words have an r at the end. Make sure you pronounce each one clearly.

  1. four door car
  2. her younger sister
  3. they’re never here
  4. sooner or later
  5. lobster for dinner
  6. your older brother
  7. four more over there

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