Minimal pair · Standard Southern British
British English /ɪ/ vs /ɛ/KIT /ɪ/ and DRESS /ɛ/
Five matched closed-syllable pairs contrast KIT and DRESS without American accent substitutions. A Southern British reference bank, not a description of every UK accent. These are editorial word pools supported by pronunciation references, not recovered experimental stimulus lists.
Explore listening lessonsThe vowel in this first set
A near-close, unrounded vowel. Compare its quality with the other category, not just its duration.
An open-mid, unrounded vowel
The tongue is toward the front, with a more open vowel position than /e/.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
A small change.
A different word.
Five matched closed-syllable pairs contrast KIT and DRESS without American accent substitutions. A Southern British reference bank, not a description of every UK accent. These are editorial word pools supported by pronunciation references, not recovered experimental stimulus lists.
Sound examples
Cached recordings are being prepared10 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.
This guide is free to read. Recordings for these examples are not available yet.