Story time (connected speech)
One day Sparky the star found a this. Next to it was a that and a they. "Wow!" said Sparky. Then Sparky saw a feather and a mother. What a great day!
TH
Voiced TH /ð/
Buzzy TH as in 'mother' — same tongue position, voice on. Mostly in small function words initially.
American English pronunciation model · voiced · tongue between teeth (dental) · fricative · spellings: th
Word library being expanded
This page practises English sounds — the words and sentences stay in English on purpose.
Watch how to make this sound
/ð/ · Buzzy tongue sound
Articulation visual awaiting professional review — not yet checked by a speech and language therapist.
Voice on · feel the buzz · Airflow
Tongue lightly at the teeth; add your voice.
The same light dental contact as /θ/, with vocal-fold vibration.
Movement 1/3: Tongue meets teeth lightly
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How to Make the Sound
/ð/
Voice switched ON
Put your hand on your throat — you should feel a buzz.
Remember it: Buzzy TH — the tongue tickles.
- Tongue
- The same as quiet TH: tongue tip gently between or just behind the front teeth.
- Lips and jaw
- Lips apart; jaw slightly open.
- Air
- Steady air with the voice buzzing.
Step by step
- Tongue tip between your teeth.
- Turn your voice on.
- Buzz gently — th (as in "mother").
More than one right way: As with quiet TH, /v/ or /d/ for this sound can be a normal accent feature in some communities.
Common difficulties and gentle help
- Sounds like /d/ ("dat" for "that"). Make it long and keep the tongue showing.
- Sounds like /v/ ("muvver"). Use a mirror: tongue out, lip away from teeth. This may be an accent feature.
Step up gradually
- 1. Sound on its own
- 2. Syllables
- 3. Words
- 4. Phrases
- 5. Sentences
- 6. Everyday talk
A sound can be easier on its own than in connected speech. Move on only when your child is saying it accurately and feels ready — not just because a worksheet is finished. Read the Parent Guide
1. Sound in isolation
/ð/
Tongue peeks out, voice on, buzz: th.
Hear yourself
This device can't record audio, so listening back isn't available here. Practise with the model sounds instead.
2. Syllables
tha
thee
tho
thoo
thi
atha
eetha
otha
ath
eeth
oth
Initial position
this
/ð/ · initial
“this one”
that
/ð/ · initial
“that one”
they
/ð/ · initial
“they play”
Medial position
feather
/ð/ · medial
“my feather”
mother
/ð/ · medial
“my mother”
father
/ð/ · medial
“my father”
brother
/ð/ · medial
“my brother”
weather
/ð/ · medial
“my weather”
Final position
breathe
/ð/ · final
“breathe in”
smooth
/ð/ · final
“a smooth rock”
Short phrases
- this one
- that one
- they play
- my feather
- my mother
- my father
- my brother
- my weather
- breathe in
- a smooth rock
Sentences
- This is my toy.
- That is a cat.
- They are happy.
- I can see the feather.
- I can see the mother.
- I can see the father.
- I can see the brother.
- I can see the weather.
- Breathe in slowly.
- I can see the smooth.