ShortConsonant contrast
SH vs CH Sounds Minimal Pairs
/ʃ/ and /tʃ/ pronunciation, listening, and reading practice
/ʃ/ is continuous, while /tʃ/ begins with a stop. This timing difference separates ship from chip.
Produce both sounds accurately
What changes in the mouth?
SH
Round the lips slightly and let air flow continuously over the raised tongue.
CH
Begin with a brief stop, then release into the SH-like airflow.
Accuracy note: Do not turn CH into a long SH. The blocked beginning of /tʃ/ must be audible.
7 reviewed contrasts
Listen to the minimal pairs
Play both words in a row. First decide whether they sound the same or different; then repeat each word without adding an extra vowel.
Interactive practice
Listen and choose
Hear one word, then select the word you heard. Complete six questions and replay whenever you need to.
Listen carefully, then choose.
Meaning in context
Read both sounds in sentences
1The chip is on the ship.
2Choose a cheap pair of shoes.
3Watch Mum wash the dish.
4Chop the yam at the shop.
Read once slowly for accuracy, then reread at a natural pace. Ask the learner to point to each target word and explain its meaning.
Deliberate practice
A five-minute teaching routine
Play four words and ask the learner to identify sound A or sound B.
Reveal the pair, say both words, and check the mouth cue above.
Read one sentence and discuss how changing the sound changes the word.
Stretch /ʃʃʃ/, but make /tʃ/ as one short, compact release.
Offline review
Print this sound contrast lesson
The print view includes the mouth cues, reviewed pairs, accuracy note, sentences, and practice routine.