Minimal Pairs Trainer
A minimal pair is two words that differ by just one sound — like ship and sheep. If you can hear the difference, you can learn to say it. Listen to each pair, then test your ear with the quiz.
Test your ear
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Browse the pairs by sound
Each group targets one contrast learners find hard. Tap a word to hear it.
Short i vs long ee
If your first language has no short, lax /ɪ/, "ship" often comes out as "sheep". Keep /ɪ/ short and relaxed.
V vs B
Many learners replace /v/ with /b/. For /v/, the top teeth must touch the lower lip.
TH vs S
The voiceless TH /θ/ is replaced with /s/ or /t/. Put the tongue tip lightly between your teeth.
R vs L
R and L can blur together. For /r/ the tongue pulls back and never touches the roof of the mouth; for /l/ the tip touches behind the teeth.
Short oo vs long oo
The short, lax /ʊ/ is often stretched into a long /uː/. "Full" should not sound like "fool".
Final T vs final D
If your first language softens word endings, final consonants are easy to drop or swap. The end of the word carries meaning — release it clearly.
N vs NG
The endings -n and -ng change the word. Keep -ng nasal at the back of the mouth, with no hard "g".
Flat a vs short e
The wide /æ/ in "cat" is often raised toward /ɛ/. Drop the jaw and spread the mouth for /æ/.
Hear the difference but can't say it yet?
The free 60-second Accent Audit pinpoints which of these contrasts to prioritise in your own speech.
Take the free Accent Audit
