Minimal pair · Standard Southern British
British English /æ/ vs /ɛ/TRAP /æ/ and DRESS /ɛ/
Five matched pairs distinguish TRAP and DRESS while retaining British dictionary vowel labels. 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 TRAP vowel
This is the stressed vowel category in the first set of General American examples.
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 pairs distinguish TRAP and DRESS while retaining British dictionary vowel labels. 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.