So-Called ‘General’ American Accent
Diphthongs
(Two vowel sounds glided together within the same syllable)
[ aɪ̆ ] PRICE
Tonight is the best time to fly.
The excited mice may bite.
Why would I try to fake a smile?
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
[ eɪ̆ ] FACE
We’re making an amazing cake.
The ballet in Spain was great.
They weighed the freight today.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
[ ɔɪ̆ ] CHOICE
The coy boy played with the toy.
She avoided the royal convoy.
The noise was annoying my employer.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
[ ɣʊ̆ ] GOAT
Those goats are totally sweet.
I don’t want to go to the boat show.
She wrote a note to no one.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
[ aʊ̆] MOUTH
We shouted and ran around the couch.
I’m about to go downtown.
Brown shoes are a sound investment.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
This practice sentence contains all five of the diphthongs above.
A nice, loud voice came from down below.
Rhotic Diphthongs
(Diphthongs featuring ‘r-coloring’, otherwise known as ‘rhoticity’)
[ ɪɚ̆ ] NEAR
They’ve had their ears pierced for years.
It’s unclear why they revered the weird souvenir.
The pioneer steered into the atmosphere.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
[ ɛɚ̆ ] SQUARE
There are a fair amount of bears over there.
Stare at the square until you see a pair.
I don’t care for unbearable leisurewear.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
[ ɑɚ̆ ] START
Mark’s car was missing a part.
The Mardis Gras parade started on Clark street.
I guarded the hearth at the party.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
[ ɔɚ̆] NORTH
I wore blue shorts in Baltimore.
It’s important to store cigars in a humidor.
The brontosaur snored abnormally.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
[ ʊɚ̆ ] CURE
The farmer said the manure was pure.
The detour wasn’t listed in the brochure.
The obscure art had a certain allure.
Practice sentences are read twice - once for pronunciation clarity, and once at conversational speed.
This practice sentence contains all five rhotic diphthongs.
The harsh air was more than William Shakespeare could endure.