Minimal pair · Standard Southern British

British English /ʃ/ vs /s/SH /ʃ/ and S /s/

Contrast postalveolar and alveolar frication across ordinary initial-singleton words. 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.

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/ʃ/

A broader, unvoiced hiss

A continuous consonant. Compare the quality of its friction with the other sound.

As inshack
/s/

An unvoiced hiss

Listen for the narrow, hissing sound in the target consonant.

As insack

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

A small change.
A different word.

Contrast postalveolar and alveolar frication across ordinary initial-singleton words. 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 prepared
No recording
shack
/ʃæk/small rough dwelling
No recording
shell
/ʃɛl/hard outer covering
No recording
shock
/ʃɒk/sudden surprise
No recording
ship
/ʃɪp/large vessel
No recording
sack
/sæk/large bag
No recording
sell
/sɛl/exchange for money
No recording
sock
/sɒk/foot garment
No recording
sip
/sɪp/drink a little

8 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.

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.

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Keep the sound. Change the word.

Contrast postalveolar and alveolar frication across ordinary initial-singleton words. 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 all British English contrasts
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