Story time (connected speech)
One day Sparky the star found a van. Next to it was a violin and a volcano. "Wow!" said Sparky. Then Sparky saw a vest and a seven. What a great day!
V
V sound /v/
The buzzy voiced partner of F.
American English pronunciation model · voiced · lip and teeth (labiodental) · fricative · spellings: v, f (of)
This page practises English sounds — the words and sentences stay in English on purpose.
Watch how to make this sound
/v/ · Buzzy lip sound
Articulation visual awaiting professional review — not yet checked by a speech and language therapist.
Voice on · feel the buzz · Airflow
Upper teeth on lower lip; let the voice buzz.
The same lip–teeth contact as /f/, with vocal-fold vibration.
Movement 1/3: Teeth meet lower lip
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How to Make the Sound
/v/
Voice switched ON
Put your hand on your throat — you should feel a buzz.
Remember it: Vibrating sound — the lip tickles.
- Tongue
- The tongue rests low and relaxed.
- Lips and jaw
- Top front teeth rest gently on the bottom lip, like /f/.
- Air
- A long, steady stream of air with the voice buzzing.
Step by step
- Teeth on your bottom lip.
- Turn your voice on.
- Keep it buzzing — vvv.
Common difficulties and gentle help
- Sounds like /b/ ("bery" for "very"). Check the teeth are on the lip, not the lips together. Use a mirror.
- Sounds like /f/. Feel the throat buzz.
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
/v/
Teeth on lip, voice on, buzz: vvv.
Hear yourself
This device can't record audio, so listening back isn't available here. Practise with the model sounds instead.
2. Syllables
va
vee
vo
voo
vi
ava
eeva
ova
av
eev
ov
Initial position
van
/v/ · initial
“my van”
violin
/v/ · initial
“my violin”
volcano
/v/ · initial
“my volcano”
vest
/v/ · initial
“my vest”
Medial position
seven
/v/ · medial
“my seven”
avocado
/v/ · medial
“my avocado”
TV
/v/ · medial
“my TV”
river
/v/ · medial
“my river”
Final position
five
/v/ · final
“my five”
glove
/v/ · final
“my glove”
wave
/v/ · final
“my wave”
stove
/v/ · final
“my stove”
Short phrases
- my van
- my violin
- my volcano
- my vest
- my seven
- my avocado
- my TV
- my river
- my five
- my glove
- my wave
- my stove
Sentences
- I can see the van.
- I can see the violin.
- I can see the volcano.
- I can see the vest.
- I can see the seven.
- I can see the avocado.
- I can see the TV.
- I can see the river.
- I can see the five.
- I can see the glove.