Minimal pair · General American
English /v/ vs /b/Vote or boat?
Match the first consonant, /v/ or /b/, across different word endings. Very and berry share the same stress pattern and the same remaining sounds.
Practice these sounds/v/
Voiced lip-and-teeth friction
A continuous, voiced consonant. Compare it with the other beginning in the pair.
As invery
/b/
A voiced lip closure
A brief stop made with the lips. Its natural realization depends on the language and sound context.
As inberry
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
A small change.
A different word.
Match the first consonant, /v/ or /b/, across different word endings. Very and berry share the same stress pattern and the same remaining sounds.
Listen for the target sound in each word.
Sound examples
Tap to hear each wordvery
/ˈvɛɹi/to a great extentvote
/voʊt/a choice expressed in a group decisionvolt
/voʊlt/a unit of electrical potential differencevine
/vaɪn/a plant with a climbing stemvest
/vɛst/a sleeveless upper-body garmentberry
/ˈbɛɹi/a small fleshy fruitboat
/boʊt/a small craft for travelling on waterbolt
/boʊlt/a threaded metal fastenerbit
/bɪt/a small piecebook
/bʊk/a written work with pages10 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.