Pronounce F and V in American English
Let’s look at how to pronounce f and v in American English. We study these sounds together because they use the same mouth position. They are different because f is pronounced with only air, and v is pronounced using sound from your vocal cords.
How to Pronounce F
To make the f sound, open your mouth slightly and relax your lips. Next, lift your bottom lip and touch the inside of your lip to the bottom of your front teeth. Your tongue should be relaxed in the middle of your mouth, not touching anything. Now push air through the space between your top front teeth and your bottom lip. Put your hand in front of your mouth. You should feel air coming out of your mouth.
Be sure you are not rolling your bottom lip into your mouth and touching the outside of your bottom lip to your front teeth. The sound is made with the inside of the bottom lip.
Now practice these words with the f sound from John chapter 5:
for, festival, five, first, left, father, life
Practice these words with F
How to Pronounce V
The mouth position for v is the same as for f. This time, add sound from your vocal cords. If you place your hand on your neck, you should be able to feel your vocal cords vibrate. Say these words with me from John chapter 5:
five, love, give, everyone, have, voice, prove, save
Practice these words with V
What Should I Practice Next?
Let’s move on to the next pair of consonant sounds, ch and j. Click the button to go there now.
