Vowels Followed by the /r/ Sound

Mastering the American Accent » Vowels Followed by the /r/ Sound

Vowels Followed by the /r/ Sound

The quality of a vowel sound often changes when an r follows it. There is a slight /ɘ/ sound that is added after certain vowels, making it sound almost as if the word contains an extra syllable. For example, fire sounds like “fai /ɘ/+r.”

Words for Practice

Remember to add an extra /ɘ/ sound before the /r/ sound as you practice reading these words aloud.

/iɘr/	/ɑɘr/	/aʊɘr/	/aɪɘr/	/oʊɘr/	/ɛɘr/
fear	far	hour	hire	four	hair
near	star	sour	tired	tore	there
hear	hard	power	expire	more	care
clear	large	flower	Ireland	bored	stairs

Practice Sentences

Take the stairs in case of fire.
The employer is hiring and firing.
I hear that it expired on the fourth.
I can’t afford to shop in that store.
I am near the cashier by the stairs.
How far is Ireland from here?

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