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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