Why does work sound like werrrk when it’s spelled with an o? In this episode, we unpack one of the most confusing features of British pronunciation: the /ɜː/ sound. With clear explanations, grouped practice words, minimal pairs, and tongue twisters, this lesson will help you stop trusting the spelling and start trusting the R.

Practice Transcript:

Spelled with 'e': her, term, serve, early, person, learn

With 'o': work, word, world, worth, worse, worm, worst, worthwhile, attorney

With 'i': bird, first, girl, shirt

With 'u': nurse, turn, burn, church

Practice 2:

her, bird, nurse, work

term, girl, turn, word

serve, first, burn, world

early, shirt, church, worth

person, bird, nurse, worse

learn, girl, turn, worm

person, girl, nurse, word

Minimal pairs:

Word - ...