Lesson 1 of 6
The American R
Pronounce R clearly in every position, the way Americans do.
The R sound is one of the clearest markers of an American accent. Americans pronounce every R they see, including at the end of words, which British English and most South Asian English often drop. Getting this one sound right instantly makes you sound more American.
LearnThe key ideas
How to make the American R
Pull the body of your tongue back and slightly up. The tip can curl back a little, but it should not touch the roof of your mouth. Round your lips slightly, as if starting to say "oo".
Unlike the Urdu ر, the American R is not tapped or rolled. The tongue never hits anything. It is a smooth, continuous sound you can hold: rrrrr.
R in three positions
| Position | Examples | Common error |
|---|---|---|
| Start of a word | red, right, really | Tapping it like ر |
| After a vowel | car, door, more, here | Dropping it: "caa", "doh" |
| Inside clusters | three, street, girl, world | Adding a vowel: "ga-rl" |
ListenListen and repeat
- I'm really sure.Three clear R sounds.
- Our car is parked near the door.Every R after a vowel is pronounced.
- She works hard every morning."works", "hard", "every", "morning".
- The girl from the third floor.R + L in "girl" is the hardest. Go slowly.
AvoidCommon mistakes
SpeakShadowing practice
Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.
- Are you sure it's four o'clock?
- Her brother is a really hard worker.
- I'd rather order the burger first.
CheckQuick quiz
1. In American English, the R in "car" is:
2. When making the American R, the tongue tip should:
3. How many syllables does "world" have?
PracticeToday's speaking task
Record yourself saying: car, door, more, work, word, girl, world, first, here, really. Play it back and listen for any dropped or tapped R.