MinimalPairs
Lessons

Minimal pair · General American

English /ɪ/ vs /ɛ/Bit or bet?

Fills an uncovered neighboring vowel-category comparison within the broader American vowel inventory used in multicategory L2 training. Exact binary benefit is not established by that study.

Practice these sounds
/ɪ/

The vowel in this first set

A near-close, unrounded vowel. Compare its quality with the other category, not just its duration.

As inbit
/ɛ/

An open-mid, unrounded vowel

The tongue is toward the front, with a more open vowel position than /e/.

As inbet

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

A small change.
A different word.

Fills an uncovered neighboring vowel-category comparison within the broader American vowel inventory used in multicategory L2 training. Exact binary benefit is not established by that study.

Listen for the target sound in each word.

Sound examples

Tap to hear each word
bit
/bɪt/a small piece
sit
/sɪt/rest on a seat
disk
/dɪsk/a flat round object
chick
/tʃɪk/a young bird
fit
/fɪt/the right size
pin
/pɪn/a small fastening rod
tin
/tɪn/a metallic element
bet
/bɛt/risk something on an outcome
set
/sɛt/put in place
desk
/dɛsk/a work table
check
/tʃɛk/inspect
pet
/pɛt/a companion animal
pen
/pɛn/a writing tool
ten
/tɛn/the number 10

14 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.

Now, let your ears decide.

Can you hear the difference? Listen to two examples, then decide which sound you hear in a new word. Get feedback after every answer.

Practice these sounds

Keep the sound. Change the word.

Fills an uncovered neighboring vowel-category comparison within the broader American vowel inventory used in multicategory L2 training. Exact binary benefit is not established by that study.

Explore all English contrasts
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