Meaning & use
r sound
Last updated
UK/ˈɑː saʊnd/
US/ˈɑːr saʊnd/
Meaning
nouncountabletechnical
The way the letter "r" is pronounced in a language or accent.
Grammar: You can say "the r sound" or "a r sound" when talking about one specific pronunciation.
Patterns
- the r sound in a word
- pronounce the r sound
Many learners find the r sound difficult in English.
In some British accents, the r sound at the end of a word is not pronounced.
She practiced the r sound by saying "red lorry, yellow lorry".
Common combinations
- the r sound in English
- The r sound in English varies a lot between accents.
- pronounce the r sound
- Can you pronounce the r sound in "car"?
- the r sound at the end
- In American English, the r sound at the end is usually pronounced.
Synonyms and how they differ
- rhotic
- This is an adjective describing accents that pronounce the r sound, not the sound itself.
Word family
- rhotic adjective
- Describing an accent that pronounces the r sound in all positions.
Practice
Which sentence uses "r sound" correctly?
Choose one answer.
"R sound" refers to the pronunciation of the letter r, so you can compare it in different words. The other options confuse it with the letter itself or use it as a verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “r sound”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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