Classifying Vowels
Vowels can be classified into two categories – pure vowels and diphthongs.
Understanding Pure Vowels
Pure vowels are those that have a single vowel sound when pronounced. The twelve vowel sounds mentioned earlier fall under the category of pure vowels. Words such asannounce(ə), fret(e), sun(ʌ), tick(ɪ), please(iː), dot(ɒ), foot(ʊ), food(uː), word(ɜː), warm(ɔː),arm(aː) and pant(æ) are some examples of pure vowels.
Pure vowels are further divided into two subcategories – checked vowels and free vowels. Let's explore these categories.
Checked Vowels
Among the twelve vowel sounds, seven are classified as checked vowels. These are ʌ, e, ə, ʊ, ɪ, æ, and ɒ. These vowels cannot appear at the end of open syllables.
Free Vowels
The vowel sounds uː, iː, ɜː, aː, and ɔː are considered free vowels. These vowels can be used at the end of open syllables.
A Comprehensive List of Pure Vowels with Examples
Below is a list of the twelve vowel sounds in English, each accompanied by examples to help you understand their usage and pronunciation.
Vowel sounds | Examples |
/ʌ/ | cut, butter |
/aː/ | park, far |
/æ/ | bat, fan |
/ɒ/ | goggles, fog |
/ɔː/ | more, warn |
/ɜː/ | bird, worm |
/e/ | pet, ten |
/ə/ | vendor, monitor |
/ɪ/ | sit, pin |
/iː/ | theme, fleet |
/ʊ/ | cook, put |
/uː/ | flute, boon |
Defining Diphthongs
Diphthongs are unique vowel sounds that are produced by the combination of two distinct vowel sounds. Unlike the individual vowel sounds, diphthongs create a new and unique speech sound.
A Comprehensive List of Diphthongs with Examples
The table below lists the eight diphthongs in the English language, each accompanied by examples to help you understand their sound and usage.
Diphthongs | Examples |
/aɪ/ | fight, write |
/aʊ/ | plough, cow |
/eə/ | their, chair |
/əʊ/ | soak, rodent |
/eɪ/ | fate, pain |
/ɪə/ | here, cheer |
/ʊə/ | poor, sure |
/ɔɪ/ | toy,exploit |
