The IPA helps you know exactly how to say words. Each symbol stands for a sound, so you can pronounce English correctly, even if the spelling is tricky.

​

Common Consonants:

• /p/ – like p in pen

• /b/ – like b in bat

• /t/ – like t in top

• /d/ – like d in dog

• /k/ – like c in cat

• /g/ – like g in go

• /f/ – like f in fun

• /v/ – like v in van

• /s/ – like s in sun

• /z/ – like z in zoo

​

Common Vowels:

• /iː/ – like ee in see

• /ɪ/ – like i in sit

• /e/ – like e in bed

• /æ/ – like a in cat

• /ɑː/ – like a in car

• /ɔː/ – like aw in law

• /ʊ/ – like oo in book

• /uː/ – like oo in food

​

Tip: Slashes / / mean the letters show sounds, not regular spelling.

​

How Students Can Use IPA to Improve English Pronunciation:

​

1. Learn the Symbols Slowly

   • Start with common consonants and vowels first.

   • Don’t try to memorize all symbols at once—focus on sounds you often mispronounce.

2. Listen and Repeat

   • Find the IPA transcription of a word and say it out loud exactly as the symbols indicate.

   • Use online dictionaries that play the word’s pronunciation alongside IPA.

3. Compare Sounds

   • Notice small differences, e.g., /iː/ in see vs /ɪ/ in sit.

   • Compare your pronunciation to native speakers and adjust.

4. Practice in Context

   • Don’t just read IPA; use it with full words and sentences.

   • Example: /kæt/ → cat → “The cat is sleeping.”

5. Check Problem Areas

   • Keep a list of words you struggle with.

   • Look up their IPA and practice consistently.

6. Use It as a Reading Tool

   • When reading new words, check their IPA first.

   • This avoids guessing pronunciation from spelling.