MinimalPairs
Lessons

Minimal pair · Standard Southern British

British English /θ/ vs /f/TH /θ/ and F /f/

Separate dental and labiodental frication using ordinary initial-singleton words; the pool does not pretend that every example has a minimal partner. 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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/θ/

The unvoiced th sound

The opening noise is softer and more diffuse than the sharper hiss of /s/.

As inthin
/f/

Unvoiced lip-and-teeth friction

Air passes between the lower lip and upper teeth. Listen to the first sound.

As infin

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

A small change.
A different word.

Separate dental and labiodental frication using ordinary initial-singleton words; the pool does not pretend that every example has a minimal partner. 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
thin
/θɪn/not thick
No recording
fin
/fɪn/fish appendage

2 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.

Separate dental and labiodental frication using ordinary initial-singleton words; the pool does not pretend that every example has a minimal partner. 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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