How can I pronounce English correctly?

Question

The international phonetic alphabet is something I am learning again, but despite my daily practice, I am still unable to speak it correctly. Does anyone have any advice for me? I have educated myself.

Answer 1

Pronunciation takes time and consistent exposure, so don’t feel discouraged. Here are a few strategies that might help:

1. Listen actively every day. Choose one accent to focus on (for example, American or British English). Watch short clips, repeat what you hear, and record yourself. Compare your version to the original.
2. Use the IPA as a guide, not a rulebook. The symbols are helpful for showing how a sound is made, but your ear and mouth training are more important. Focus on stress, rhythm, and intonation because English is a stress-timed language.
3. Practice minimal pairs. Words like ship/sheep or bat/bet train your ear to hear small differences.
4. Shadowing technique. Play a short sentence and repeat it immediately, matching the speed, intonation, and even pauses.
5. Work with a tutor or conversation partner. A teacher can point out what you don’t notice and give you feedback tailored to your needs.

With daily practice and some guided correction, you’ll notice your pronunciation becoming clearer and more natural.

Answer 2

Tutoring is a tool that can help, but in the interim, my advice is to trust your own ears. Find a sample phrase you wish to use (in spoken form). Record yourself saying it and compare. I learned to speak French in school but I also learned by listening to French people.

Answer 3

You're definitely not alone! English pronunciation can be really difficult, even with daily practice and strong motivation. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a great tool, but it takes time to fully connect the symbols to the actual sounds, especially because English has so many exceptions and contradictions. For example, think about how "though," "thought," "through," and "tough" are all spelled similarly but sound completely different!

One thing that can make a big difference is working directly with someone who can give you feedback in real time. A tutor or language coach can help you hear subtle differences, correct your pronunciation as you go, and give tips that match your learning style.

I'd be happy to help if you're looking for support! We could practice IPA symbols together, focus on tricky sounds, or go through example words and phrases that often cause confusion. You're clearly dedicated and have already done a lot of self-education—sometimes just having someone to guide and reinforce what you’ve learned can make all the difference.

Keep going—you’re making progress even if it doesn’t always feel that way!

Caitlyn Grubb, Ph.D.

Answer 4

How can I pronounce English correctly?

First, I want to say: you’re doing something amazing by practicing every day and learning the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). That shows dedication, and it’s a big part of improving your English pronunciation. But pronunciation isn’t just about memorizing sounds—it’s about hearing, feeling, and practicing them in real life. Here are some simple but powerful tips:

✅ 1. Train Your Ears First

Before you can say a sound clearly, you need to hear it clearly. Try listening carefully to native speakers and pay attention to how words are said—not just the words themselves. Apps like YouGlish or Forvo let you hear words spoken by real people in different accents.

✅ 2. Use the IPA As a Map—But Not the Whole Journey

The IPA is helpful because it shows the exact sounds in a word. But it’s just a guide. Think of it like reading a recipe—you still have to cook the meal! Listening and repeating is where the real learning happens.

✅ 3. Practice Out Loud Every Day

Don’t just read or listen—speak. Even if you make mistakes at first, your muscles (especially your tongue, lips, and jaw) need practice to make new sounds. Record yourself reading or talking, then listen back and compare to native speakers.

✅ 4. Break Words Into Syllables and Sounds

English words can be tricky, especially when the spelling doesn’t match the pronunciation. Break them into smaller parts. For example:

"Comfortable" → /ˈkʌm.fɚ.tə.bəl/ → sounds like “KUM-fter-bul” when spoken quickly.

✅ 5. Use Shadowing

This is one of the best techniques. Listen to a sentence from a native speaker, then immediately repeat it, trying to match the rhythm, tone, and pronunciation exactly. It's like copying a song by ear—very effective!

✅ 6. Be Kind to Yourself

Learning pronunciation is like learning a new instrument. It takes time and daily effort. Even native English speakers have accents! You don’t have to sound perfect—you just want to be understood clearly.

If I were working with you as a tutor, I’d first find out which sounds are hardest for you, then build short daily exercises to help you master them step by step. I’d also use visuals (like mouth diagrams or videos), sound recordings, and feedback tools so you can see, hear, and feel your progress.

You're already on the right track. Keep going—you've got this! 🌟I would suggest considering working with someone who has training in speech or phonics.

🎯 Need help with English pronunciation?

I offer personalized tutoring to help you speak clearly and confidently. Whether you're just starting or need targeted practice with tricky sounds, I’ll guide you step by step. Let’s work together—message me to get started!