The Importance of Pronunciation

'ough' is it 'off', 'uff', 'ow', 'aw', 'o', 'oo', 'a'?

#englishpronunciation #learnenglish #englishforbusiness

I've dedicated a lot of attention to pronunciation with my students this week, and it's become evident that mastering this aspect of English is exceptionally challenging. Unlike many languages where letter combinations reliably produce specific sounds, English is notorious for its inconsistencies. A single series of letters can yield a multitude of sounds, making it essential to learn each word individually within its context.

One of the most extreme examples, is the number of ways we can say the letters ‘ough’. Look at these words.

Cough

Rough

Though

Bough

Borough

Thought

Through

Logic would tell you that the letters ‘ough’ should all sound the same. They are, in fact, all different, and not slightly different but completely different.

Cough sounds like the ‘off’ in offer. (also trough)

Rough sounds like the ‘uff’ in suffer. (also tough andenough)

Though sounds like the ‘o’ on go. (also although and even though)

Bough sounds like the 'ow’ in flower. (also plough andsough)

Borough sounds like the 'a’ in above. (pronounced ‘burra’)

Thought sounds like the 'aw’ in saw. (also ought, sought,bought, nought, fought)

Through sounds like the 'oo’ in too. (also throughout andbreakthrough)

I haven't incorporated phonetic symbols in my teaching yet, as I haven't encountered students who use them. However, it's a great illustration of how phonetics could aid learners.
Once you practice andmaster these sounds, you'll sound more proficient and feel more confident speaking English.

In fact, there's a hilarious advertisement from Germany that brilliantly highlights the importance of mastering pronunciation in another language, particularly English. Enjoy this video.