When I work with my accent reduction coaching clients, I always make sure to provide them with a solid foundation of the American English vowel sounds.

Note that I said vowel SOUNDS!

This is important! ✔

Many people (both native & non-native speakers) are unaware that the 5 vowel letters, a, e, i, o & u actually make 15 different sounds.

Once my accent reduction clients learn which vowel sounds to use, they’re able to clear up many of their problems with pronunciation!

Today I’m going to write briefly on the SOUNDS of the vowel combination ou.

The vowel combination ou can be pronounced 3 ways in American English.

 

ou can be pronounced like /oʊ/. I call this /ow/ as in ROSE.

  • shoulder
  • soul
  • though
  • doughnut
  • although

ou can be pronounced like “uh” /ʌ/. I call this /ʌ/ as in MUSTARD.

  • cousin
  • enough
  • country
  • tough
  • couple

ou can be pronounced like /aʊ/. I call this /aw/ as in BROWN.

  • loud
  • sound
  • south
  • found
  • house

 

If you want to learn more about how to articulate American English vowel sounds you might want to check out the book Pronunciation Pairs.

This excellent book uses illustrated text with an audio CD to show you where to put your mouth, tongue and lips to form each sound.

The color code that I use comes from the Color Vowel Chart.

To learn MORE about , click on one of the tags below.⬇

Tags: , , , , , ,