ShortConsonant contrast
W vs V Sounds Minimal Pairs
/w/ and /v/ pronunciation, listening, and reading practice
/w/ is a lip-rounded glide with no tooth contact. /v/ is a voiced friction sound made with the teeth and lower lip.
Produce both sounds accurately
What changes in the mouth?
W
Round the lips without touching the teeth; glide directly into the vowel.
V
Touch the upper teeth lightly to the lower lip and use continuous voice.
Accuracy note: Do not touch the teeth to the lip for W. That contact changes the sound toward V.
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
1The vet wore a wet vest.
2We saw vines by the wine shop.
3The wheel went west.
4He made a vow while he waited.
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.
Use a mirror: W has round lips; V shows the upper teeth resting on the lower lip.
Offline review
Print this sound contrast lesson
The print view includes the mouth cues, reviewed pairs, accuracy note, sentences, and practice routine.