English XP

Ʊ / OO Tongue Twisters

Introduction

The sound /ʊ/ (near-close back rounded vowel) is a very common vowel sound in the English language. It is the vowel sound in words such as: –

The /u:/ sound is another common vowel sound which is pronounced with a drawn out ‘oo‘ sound and with the lips pushed slightly further out.

Some words that are spelt with a double ‘o‘ use the /u:/ sound: –

However, there are some words spelt with a double ‘o‘ that are pronounced with the /ʊ/ sound instead: –

A common problem is mistaking these two sounds. This is a common problem with some learners of eastern European languages (as well as with students from other areas). Let’s practise these ʊ tongue twisters to help improve this area. 

Tongue Twister List

1. He too, took two looks.

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/1.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

2. The cookbook recommended bamboo shoots.

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

3. The bloody boots were looted. 

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/3.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

4. The good groom flooded the room.

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/4.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

5. The football hooligans looked gloomy. 

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/5.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

6. Oops, look it’s already noon.

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/6.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

7. She cooked the soot covered roots.

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/7.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

8. He stood on a spoon and looked at the moon.

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/8.Normalized-3db-1.mp3

9. The cool wood was good food.

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/9.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

10. The woodpeckers at the zoo used wool for their room.

http://englishxp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/10.Normalized-3db-2.mp3

 

Now Check Your Pronunciation

Practicing these tongue twisters by yourself is great but…

How do you know if you are pronouncing them correctly?

Try a private English lesson and check how your pronunciation is doing to maximize your study time!

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