Story time (connected speech)
One day Sparky the star found a thumb. Next to it was a three and a thunder. "Wow!" said Sparky. Then Sparky saw a think and a toothbrush. What a great day!
TH
Voiceless TH /θ/
Quiet TH as in 'thumb' — tongue peeks between the teeth, voice off.
American English pronunciation model · voiceless · tongue between teeth (dental) · fricative · spellings: th
This page practises English sounds — the words and sentences stay in English on purpose.
Watch how to make this sound
/θ/ · Quiet tongue sound
Articulation visual awaiting professional review — not yet checked by a speech and language therapist.
Voice off · no buzz · Airflow
Let your tongue tip lightly meet or peek between your teeth and blow.
Light contact at the front teeth allows continuous air; do not bite the tongue.
Movement 1/3: Tongue meets teeth lightly
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How to Make the Sound
/θ/
Voice switched OFF
Put your hand on your throat — it should stay still and quiet. Only air.
Remember it: Tongue peeking out — a quiet, sneaky sound.
- Tongue
- The tip of the tongue rests lightly between the top and bottom front teeth, or just behind the top teeth.
- Lips and jaw
- Lips apart so the tongue can be seen; jaw slightly open.
- Air
- A soft, steady stream of air over the tongue.
Step by step
- Put your tongue tip gently between your teeth.
- Blow softly over it.
- Keep it going — th (as in "thumb").
More than one right way: Replacing /θ/ with /f/ is part of some British accents (for example many London and Estuary speakers). Whether to target it depends on your child's accent and therapy goals — check with your therapist.
Common difficulties and gentle help
- Sounds like /f/ ("fumb" for "thumb"). Use a mirror: the tongue should peek out, the lip stays away from the teeth.
- Sounds like /t/ or /s/. Make it long and gentle, with the tongue showing.
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
/θ/
Tongue peeks out, blow quietly: 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
thumb
/θ/ · initial
“my thumb”
three
/θ/ · initial
“my three”
thunder
/θ/ · initial
“my thunder”
think
/θ/ · initial
“think hard”
Medial position
toothbrush
/θ/ · medial
“my toothbrush”
birthday
/θ/ · medial
“happy birthday”
bathtub
/θ/ · medial
“my bathtub”
Final position
bath
/θ/ · final
“my bath”
tooth
/θ/ · final
“my tooth”
mouth
/θ/ · final
“my mouth”
earth
/θ/ · final
“my earth”
Short phrases
- my thumb
- my three
- my thunder
- think hard
- my toothbrush
- happy birthday
- my bathtub
- my bath
- my tooth
- my mouth
- my earth
Sentences
- I can see the thumb.
- I can see the three.
- I can see the thunder.
- I can see the think.
- I can see the toothbrush.
- I can see the birthday.
- I can see the bathtub.
- I can see the bath.
- I can see the tooth.
- I can see the mouth.