Vowels Archives - Rachel's English

This set of videos goes over all of the vowel sounds in American English. Find all of the videos on one specific vowel by clicking on that subcategory under 'Videos' in the main menu.

How to Pronounce AIR words: care, share, fair, etc

Words with EH+R are harder to pronounce than you would think. This video helps you understand what changes in the EH vowel when it’s followed by R. Want to learn more about R-controlled vowels? Check out the whole video by joining … [Read more...]

Vowel and Diphthong Comparison

Do some of the vowels or diphthongs of American English sound the same to you? See the difference in this Comparison of Vowels and Diphthongs. Perfect your American Accent! Buy the whole set of videos, the Sounds of American English, here. YouTube … [Read more...]

How to Pronounce POOL vs. PULL

Learn how to pronounce POOL and PULL: it comes down to the English VOWEL sounds. Feel comfortable using these words in English Conversation. YouTube blocked? Click here to see the video. https://youtu.be/ukKuV4fXdTA Video Text: In this … [Read more...]

The Cat’s Out of the Bag

Learn how and when to say the idiom "The cat's out of the bag", and learn Rachel's secret! :) YouTube blocked? Click here to see the video. https://youtu.be/dqj64DjZssI Video Text: Well, the cat’s out of the bag. Several of you have guessed my … [Read more...]

How to Pronounce MAN vs. MEN

Learn how to hear the difference between MAN and MEN, and pronounce the two words correctly. MEN has a pure EH [ɛ] vowel, but MAN can be especially tricky! YouTube blocked? Click here to see the video. https://youtu.be/AkRg0-trHtc Video … [Read more...]

How to Pronounce GIRL

Learn how to pronounce a very challenging word: Girl! Learn how the make the R and the Dark L together. The SHAPE, or intonation, of the voice is very important. It will help you make these sounds naturally. YouTube blocked? Click here to see … [Read more...]

SEX vs. SIX

SEX and SIX are only different by one sound -- the middle vowel sound. This can be hard for people to tell apart. Study the different sound and mouth position of these two word and get a clear understanding of how they are different. You never need … [Read more...]

How to Pronounce QUARTER

The word QUARTER can be tricky. Say it with confidence -- it can be used various ways in English conversation. This video shows how the AW as in LAW [ɔ] vowel is different when followed by the R [ɹ] consonant. YouTube blocked? Click here to see … [Read more...]

How to Say BEACH vs. BITCH and SHEET vs. SHIT

These word pairs can be tricky ... and embarrassing. Say the right word by mastering the difference in vowel sounds in these pairs. YouTube blocked? Click here to see the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVJ-kEAx7Pw Video Text: In this … [Read more...]

How to Say STAFF vs. STUFF

These two words can be hard to tell apart if you're not solid on the vowels. Study the different vowel sounds in this pair so you'll be able to tell the two words, and other words like them, apart. YouTube blocked? Click here to see the … [Read more...]

Explore Maine!

Visit the beautiful state of Maine with me and see the beautiful coast line (and delicious foods!) while studying real conversational English. YouTube blocked? Click here to see the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6pJ5VEK93s Video … [Read more...]

American vs. British English – Vowel Sounds – Pronunciation differences

People often ask about the differences between British and American English. This video goes over the differences in vowel and diphthong sounds. YouTube blocked? Click here to see the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIZ78RwhSPc Video … [Read more...]