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American English Vowel Sounds: /ɑ/, AH as in OLIVE

In this lesson you will learn everything you need to know about pronouncing the /ɑ/, AH as in OLIVE vowel sound in American English.

Here’s what we will cover:

1) Exactly how to move the mouth to make this sound
2) Minimal pair listening practice to help you differentiate /ɑ/, AH as in OLIVE from /ʌ/, UH as in PLUM
3) Imitation of this sound in words and sentences

CLARITY KICKSTART STUDENTS: Minimal pairs begin at 2:10 and end at 5:58

Practice words and sentences used in this lesson:

Possible

That’s not possible.

They need it as soon as possible.

Option

What are the options?

I think this is the best option.

Stop

When can you stop by?

I think we should stop here.

Problem

Is this a problem?

No problem.

Water

May I have a glass of water?

How’s the water.

Job

Do you like your new job?

It’s a big job.


Continue your practice with this list of

50 Super Common AH, /ɑ/ as in OLIVE Words

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

not

policy

economy

beyond

modern

problem

process

hospital

quality

positive

water

probably

involve

box

shot

lot

college

top

knowledge

option

job

economic

drop

rock

object

father

possible

upon

respond

concept

body

model

common

popular

conduct

watch

project

hot

politics

conversation

follow

technology

response

conference

involved

stop

Congress

stock

property

conflict


Grab a PDF of the practice list here:

 

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