ShortConsonant contrast
T vs TH Sounds Minimal Pairs
/t/ and /θ/ pronunciation, listening, and reading practice
/t/ is a brief stop made behind the teeth. /θ/ is a continuous sound with the tongue tip visible between the teeth.
Produce both sounds accurately
What changes in the mouth?
T
Place the tongue tip behind the upper teeth, stop the air, and release.
Unvoiced TH
Place the tongue tip lightly between the teeth and let air continue.
Accuracy note: Do not keep the tongue hidden for TH. A small visible tongue tip helps prevent it from becoming T.
8 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
1Three tins sat by the tree.
2Thank the team at the tank.
3The thick thread was torn.
4I thought the teacher taught well.
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.
Hold TH for one second. T cannot be held because it is a stop.
Offline review
Print this sound contrast lesson
The print view includes the mouth cues, reviewed pairs, accuracy note, sentences, and practice routine.