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There are few rules for reading consonants in English. They can be compared with similar rules in Russian: the name of the letter does not always correspond to the designated sound.

There are only 20 letters in the English language, which can represent 24 consonants in various positions and combinations. Some sounds of the English language are similar to Russian, while others are significantly different from them. There are also those that have no analogues in Russian: [ð], [θ], [w]

However, there a few rules. English consonants are always:

• pronounce firmly - do not soften, as, for example, in the word suit
• at the end of words we do not deafen the voiced ones, we pronounce the deaf more clearly: pin-pit
• we pronounce double consonants as one sound, for example swimmer [ˈswɪmər]

Rules for reading letters that convey one consonant sound

Let's start with 15 consonants that represent one sound. They correspond to the letters of the English alphabet and their transcription marks are the same.
letter and sound	Pronunciation features	Examples	Translation
	always sounds like "b"		boy
P[p]	resembles the Russian "p"	panda	swimming pool
F[f]	similar to Russian "f"	fire [ˈfaɪər]
V[v]	this is Russian pure "in"		minibus brave
T[t]	hard Russian "t", with strong aspiration		vertex
D[d]	identical to Russian "d" with stronger aspiration	riddle [ˈrɪdl]	mystery
M[m]	identical to Russian "m"
N[n]	identical to Russian "n", but more nasal	number[ˈnʌmbər]
K[k]	identical to the Russian "k" with intense aspiration
L[l]	identical to Russian "l", always hard		little
R[r]	this letter should be given a little more attention. The tongue rests on the upper palate and the Russian "r" is pronounced. It sounds at the beginning of a word after consonants and between some vowels. At the end of a word, it is usually not pronounced, or barely audible.	writer [ˈraɪtər]	writer
H[h]	this sound is pronounced with a slight breath, almost like an exhalation
w[w]	at the beginning of the word, like Russian [y], but more energetically
S[s]	identical to Russian "s"
Z[z]	identical to Russian "z"	zebra [ˈziːbrə] crazy [ˈkreɪzɪ]	crazy

Rules for reading consonants that convey several sounds

letter and sound	Pronunciation features	Example	Translation
C[s]	before vowels e, i, y
C[k]	in other cases
J	like [j], only softer
X	- as :		next
X	- before the stressed syllable	exotic [ɪgˈzɔtɪk] example [ɪgˈzɑːmpl]	exotic
X [z]	- at the beginning of a word	Xerox  [ˈzɪərɔks]	Xerox
G	- before vowels e, i, y		Gym page
G[g]	- in other cases
Q	- occurs only in the letter combination qu -	squirrel [ˈskwɪrəl]	Queen

Rules for reading letter combinations with consonants

Consonants often form letter combinations. Consider the main ones:
Ch	Basically, this combination of letters sounds like Russian "ch"
Ch[k]	- in Greek words	character [ˈkærɪktər]	character
Ch [ʃ]	- in words of French origin	machine	the car
Sh [ʃ]	Sounds like a Russian "sh"	mushroom [ˈmʌʃrum]
Th[θ]	At the beginning of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs; at the end of words; before a consonant or after a consonant. You need to stick the tip of your tongue between your teeth and pronounce the Russian “s”		thick
Th [ð]	- the second pronunciation, like [ð] (in functional words (article, pronouns), between vowels). Pronunciation method: tongue between teeth, pronounce Russian "z"	father [ˈfɑːðər]
Ng [ŋ]	At the end of a word. It has no analogue in Russian. Pronounced something like [n], in the nose		long
Ng [ŋg]	- inside the word:	England [ˈɪŋglənd] finger [ˈfɪŋgər]

There are many exceptions to the English language, and this does not make it any less attractive. Each word must be memorized separately. Let the dictionary become your good friend and helper, and teachers at the English language school on Skype be your personal consultants!

Watch the video on consonants

The phonetic system of the English language includes 44 sounds (20 vowels and 24 consonants).

Consonants Consonants		Vowels Vowels
paired	unpaired	monophthongs	diphthongs
[p]-[b]	[m]	[ᴧ]
[t]-[d]	[n]	[æ]
[k]-[g]	[l]	[ɔ]	[əu]
[s]-[z]	[r]	[e]
[f]-[v]	[w]	[ι]	[ɔι]
[θ] - [ð]	[j]	[u]	[ιə]
[∫] - [Ʒ]	[h]	[ə]
-	[ƞ]	[ɔ:]	[εə]
		[ə:]

Vowels can be front or back, open or closed, rounded or unrounded, clear or nasal. To understand these definitions, you need to imagine the structure of the articulatory apparatus.

The division of vowels into front and back, open and closed depends on the position of the tongue. The division of vowels into rounded and unrounded depends on the participation of lips. The division of vowels into pure and nasal depends on the position of the palatal curtain.

When articulating various sounds, it is necessary to strictly observe the correct position of the tongue, lips and palatine curtain.

English vowels sounds are divided into monophthongs, i.e. sounds consisting of one element, and diphthongs, or triphthongs, i.e. sounds consisting of 2 or 3 elements. Vowels can be short or long. The length of the sound is indicated in the transcription by 2 dots , .

According to the participation of the organs of speech (according to articulation), vowel sounds are divided into:
• front-lingual - sounds formed by the front of the tongue - [ι], , [æ]
• middle language - sounds formed by the middle part of the language - [ᴧ]
• back lingual - sounds formed by the back of the tongue -, [u]
• closed - sounds formed with a slight opening of the mouth - [ι], , [u]
• open - sounds pronounced with a wide open mouth - [æ],
• half-open (half-closed) - sounds formed by a half-open mouth - [e], [ᴧ].

English consonants

classified according to the following principles:
1. according to the method of formation of the barrier:
   • stop - [k], [g], [p], [b], [m], [n]
   • slotted - [f], [v], [h], [l], [j], [w], [r], [t], [d], [θ], [ð]
   • occlusive-slotted - ,
2. according to the work of the active organ of speech and the place of formation of the barrier:
   • labial - [p], [b], [m], [w]
   • labiodental - [f], [v]
   • front-lingual - [l], [n], [z], [s], [θ], [ð], [r], [t], [d]
   • middle language - [j], [Ʒ]
   • back-lingual - [k], [g], [h]
3. on the participation of the vocal cords:
   • voiced - [r], [b], [g], [v], [m], [ð], [z], [d], [n]
   • deaf - [p], [f], [θ], [k], [t], [s], [∫],

Final voiceless consonants are characterized by strong articulation, a significant weakening of articulation is inherent in final voiced consonants.

The consonant sounds of the English language are pronounced more energetically than the corresponding sounds of the Russian language. Most of them are breathy ( aspiration).

↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓

To voiceless consonants ( Voiceless consonants) relate: [p] [k] [t] [s] [f] [ʃ] [θ]

To voiced consonants ( voiced consonants) relate: [b] [d] [z] [ʒ] [v] [g] [ð]

Remaining consonants: [ɳ] [m] [h] [r] [w] [n] [l] [j]

Consider these consonants in detail.

Let's start with voiceless consonants ( Voiceless consonants):

Consonant [f]. Pronounced the same as the Russian sound [f]

Now let's try to make a sound [f] on one's own:

frog frog - frog

Cliff cliff

Off [ɒf] off

Confess confess - to recognize

Defect [`defəsit] defect - deficiency

Defensive defensive - protective

Let's move on to sound. [θ] . This sound is one of the most difficult to pronounce. To pronounce this sound, you need to hold your tongue between your teeth and try to pronounce the sound [c].

Let's try to pronounce the sound yourself:

thread [θred] thread - thread

Thorough [`θʌrə] thorough - thoroughly

Thin [θin] thin - thin

Wealth wealth - wealth

Path path - path

next sound [t]. This sound is similar in pronunciation with the Russian sound [t]. But it needs to be spoken a little softer.

Now let's try it on our own:

print print - print

Sweet sweet - sweet

Until [ʌn`til] until - before

Task task - task

Taught taught - taught

till till

Consider a voiceless consonant [p]. This sound must be pronounced with exhalation. If there is a piece of paper in front of your mouth, it should move after making a sound. [p].

Let's try it on our own:

interrupt interrupt - interrupt

Damp damp - dampness

Employ employ - work for hire

Port port - port

Put put - put

Watching the sound [ʃ] . When you make a sound [ʃ] your lips should be a tube, the sound is similar to the Russian sound [w].

Trying to make a sound [ʃ] :

repetition repetition - rehearsal

Selfish [`selfiʃ] selfish - selfish

Shore [ʃͻ:] shore

Shorts [ʃͻ:ts] shorts - shorts

Shortage [`ʃͻ:tidʒ] shortage

Consider the sound [pm].

pitch pitch - resin

Fortune [`fͻ:tʃən] fortune - luck

Catch catch - to catch

Chapter [`tʃӕptə] chapter - chapter

Ostrich [`ɒstritʃ] ostrich - ostrich

Voiceless consonant [k]. Voiceless consonant [k] sounds like Russian [to].

Now let's try it on our own:

scale scale - scales

key key

Product [`prɒdʌkt] product - to produce

Peak peak

Increase [`incri:s] increase - increase

Flask flask - flask

Kin kin - kinship

And the last voiceless consonant [s]. This sound must be pronounced with a smile. Try to pronounce the Russian sound [with] smiling.

Let's try to pronounce the words with a dull sound [s]:

perceive perceive - comprehend

Grass grass

Cross cross - cross

Same same - the same

Scar scar - scar

Now we will consider voiced consonants ( voiced consonants).

first sound [v]. Pronounced like a Russian sound [in]. Difficulties may arise when distinguishing a sonorous sound [v] and dull sound [f].

Now let's try to pronounce a voiced consonant sound [v] on one's own:

nave nave - wheel hub

Gave gave - gave

Liver [`livə] liver - liver

Vandal [`vӕndl] vandal - vandal

Veal veal - veal

Nerve nerve - to be nervous

Now let's move on to sound. [d]. Now we will analyze the sound in more detail. [d]. The difference between a voiced sound [d] and dull sound [t] that you make a sound [t] with exhalation, and the sound [d] without exhalation.

I hope you now understand how to pronounce this sound correctly. Let's consolidate the material and try to pronounce words with this sound:

despite despite - despite

Divide divide - divide

Made made - made

Pod pod - pod (beans)

Adopt [ə`dɒpt] adopt - adopt

Move on to the next ringing sound [g]. And again the example with a piece of paper. Sound [g] similar to Russian sound [G], you pronounce without exhaling,

Now knowing how to pronounce the sound correctly [g], try to read it yourself:

dagger [`dӕgə] dagger - dagger

Gap gap - gap

Nag nag - pony

Grew grew - grew

Consider a voiced vowel [b]. We will compare this sound with a voiceless consonant [p]. Another example with a piece of paper. We pronounce [b] without exhalation, but the sound [p] with exhalation.

aboard [ə`bͻ: d] aboard - on board

Above [ə`bʌv] above - above

Bucket [`bʌkit] bucket - bucket

Built built - built

Fable [`feibl] fable - fable

Crab crab - crab

Next, consider the voiced sound [ð] . This sound is one of the most difficult. Hold your tongue between your teeth and try to pronounce the Russian sound [h].

Let's try it on our own:

weather [`weðə] weather - weather

With with - with

The [ði] the

Either either - one of two

Therefore [`ðeəfͻ:] therefore - for this reason

Thereby [ðeəbai] thereby - thus

Voiced consonant [ʒ] . Do not forget, pronouncing this sound, stretch your lips into a tube. Pronounced like a Russian sound [f].

Now we train ourselves:

measure [`meʒə] measure - measure

Casual [`kӕʒʊəl] casual - everyday

Disillusion disillusion - destroy illusions

Let's move on to sound. . Pronounced like [j].

Now let's try it on our own:

package [`pӕkidʒ] package - package

Page page - page

Agenda [ə`dʒendə] agenda - agenda

Rage rage - rage

Project [`prɒdʒekt] project - project

And the last voiced consonant [z]. This sound is pronounced as [h].

Now we know how to pronounce the voiced consonant sound [z]. We try to read words with this sound on our own:

maze maze - maze

Odds [ɒdz] odds - opportunity

Zebra [`zebrə] zebra - zebra

zoo zoo

Quiz quiz - quiz

We analyzed the voiceless and voiced consonants of the English language. Now let's learn how to pronounce the remaining consonants.

Let's start with a consonant [h]. We pronounce this sound with breathing, it is pronounced like [X].

Now yourself:

hall hall - hall

Half half - half

Help help - help

Ham ham - Vechina

Held held - kept

consonant sound [l]. Pronounced like [l].

Now let's try it on our own:

floor floor - floor

Law law - law

lock lock

Lyric [`lirik] lyric - lyrics

Mail mail - mail

Now let's take a closer look at the sound. [r]. When you pronounce this sound, you pull your tongue back in your mouth. Sound [r] not pronounced at the end of a word.

Remember! Let's compare two sentences:

1. Open your book [`aʊpən jͻ: bʊk] Open your book

2. Open your eyes [`aʊpən jͻ:r aiz] Open your eyes

In the first sentence, we do not pronounce the sound [r] at the end of a word your, and in the second we pronounce. We make a sound [r] at the end of a word only when the next running word begins with a vowel.

Let's try to say it again:

draw draw - draw

drink drink - drink

Rabbit [`rӕbit] rabbit - rabbit

Rag rag - rag

next sound [n] and consider one of the most difficult sounds nasal sound [ɳ] .

Let's try it on our own:

queen queen - queen

plain plain

Nail nail - nail

Nasty [`na:sti] nasty - disgusting

Man man - man

We try:

stung stung - prompted

Done done - done

Single [`siɳgl] single - bachelor

Sing sing - sing

consonant sound [m]. Pronounced like [m].

Let's try it ourselves:

mail mail - mail

Impel impel - encourage

Ham ham - ham

Brim brim - edge (vessel)

Mane mane - mane

Meat meat - meat

Consonant [w]. This sound is compared to the sound [v].

Now let's try it ourselves:

wood wood - forest

Won won - won

One one - one

Quilt quilt - patchwork quilt

Quest quest - search

And the last sound [j]. Pronounced like [Yu].

Now let's practice:

fury [`fjʊəri] fury - rage

Fuze fuze - wick

Pure pure - pure

We examined consonants in English. We now know how to pronounce them correctly. Watch movies more often, listen to songs, and you can learn to speak English well. Of course, getting rid of the accent will not work, but this is not the most important thing.

The sound composition of the English language, as you know, involves the division into two large groups: vowels (vowels) and consonants (consonants). There are somewhat fewer vowels than consonants (20 by 24), and there are also more categories of consonants. Consonants in the English language have quite a few varieties, and the main classifications are given according to the sound and features of the functioning of the speech apparatus during their pronunciation. It is important to understand the features of such a division in order to distinguish the pronunciation of consonant sounds in English from Russian and to understand what principles underlie the operation of the speech apparatus.

Features of consonants

If we compare consonants and vowels, it can be noted that vowels are mainly formed with the help of voice, while consonants in English are formed with the help of almost all organs of the speech apparatus, which include teeth, tongue, alveoli, lips.

To distinguish the pronunciation of a word, transcription is usually used, where specific designations of sounds are displayed, which should not be confused with letters.

As already mentioned, there are quite a few classifications of consonants that are pronounced differently, mainly due to the location of the elements of the speech apparatus and articulation. It is important to know these varieties and navigate them in order to pronounce the words as correctly as possible and in English.

Classification of consonants in terms of the use of the organs of the speech apparatus

Many types of consonants are due to different ways of pronouncing them, when parts of the structural apparatus become in certain positions.

occlusive

So, stop sounds are popular. They are called so because, by pronouncing them, the speaker cuts off access to air. This type of consonants is also called stop-plosive, since their pronunciation is accompanied by a certain explosion, and noise is created. This includes sounds such as . For example, the formation of the sound g is possible with the help of the tongue, which is strained and repelled in a peculiar way, and lips are involved in the formation of b.

slotted

In the event that the closing of the organs is not completely performed, the resulting sounds will be called slotted. They are usually pronounced using the language ( [ð, θ ]) or lips ( ). The first examples are also called interdental sounds, since when they are pronounced, the tongue takes a position between the teeth.

closure-slotted

Special sounds are called occlusion-slits, where, as it becomes clear, both the closing of the organs of the speech apparatus and pronunciation through the slit occur simultaneously. These include some specific sounds that are not similar to Russian. For example, (j) or , which is consonant with Russian h.

nasal

Another type of consonant associated with closure is called occlusive consonants. Part of the air passes through the oral cavity, but there is still a barrier. An example of such consonants is − . These same sounds are called nasal consonants, as air passes through the nasal cavity.

dental

A separate category is occupied by dental sounds, which in English are often called alveolar sounds because of the principle of connecting the tongue with the corresponding organ of the speech apparatus. Examples - .

Labial

Some English consonants are called labiolabial and labiodental consonants. So, when the upper and lower sounds approach each other, the first version of the consonant is obtained ( ), and when the lower lips touch the upper teeth, the second type is obtained ( ).

Voiced and voiceless consonants

Voiced and deaf consonants in English have a separate large classification. These varieties of consonants are evaluated in terms of the work of the vocal cords. Voiced consonants in English are formed by tension of the larynx, and deaf consonants - with a relaxed state of the vocal cords. voiced consonants ( b, m, n, d…) cause vibrations of the ligaments, and deaf ( s, k, t, h…) - No.

Some consonants are considered partially unpronounceable. For example, the sound r may not be taken into account, but as a separate element it is pronounced very unusually: the tongue takes the form of a bowl, the edges of which rise to the back upper teeth. However, such a concept as unpronounceable consonants is still more typical for Russian than for English.

The table will help to structure all the previously described groups:

Thus, the English language has quite a few varieties of consonants that differ in pronunciation features and have a different approach to articulation and staging of the elements of the speech apparatus. Orientation in these categories will allow you to avoid mistakes in pronunciation and phonetically get as close as possible to native speakers.