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Short Vowels

In this lesson, we will explore short vowel sounds, which are a fundamental part of English pronunciation. Understanding and practising these sounds can greatly enhance your clarity and accuracy when speaking. Short vowels differ from long vowels in both duration and sound, and this lesson will help you recognize them effectively. 

Below are some examples of words containing short vowels with their corresponding IPA transcriptions:

Grip/ɡrɪp//i/
Best/best//e/
Fat/fæt//æ/
Come/kʌm//ʌ/
Hot/hɒt//ɒ/
Put/pʊt//ʊ/

Exercise 2A

For each IPA transcription provided, select the correct word from the list that matches the transcription. 

This exercise will help you practise identifying short vowels in various words and reinforce your understanding of these sounds.

/tent/ *
/sænd/ *
/rʌn/ *
/ɡɒn/ *
/ɡʊd/ *
/bæd/ *
/pɒnd/ *
/grɪn/ *
/stʊd/ *
/lʌv/ *
/wel/ *
/stænd ʌp/ *
/rent bʊk/ *
/drɒp ded/ *
/bæd lʌk/ *
/bɪg dɒɡ/ *
/pʊsi kæt/ *
/bʌs stɒp/ *
/slæp stɪk/ *
/restfl/ *

Exercise 2B

Choose the correct IPA transcription that matches the given word from the options provided. 

This task will further build your ability to connect short vowel sounds to their IPA symbols and pronunciation.

lost *
flag *
wood *
gun *
guest *
trip *
rock *
grandad *
rag doll *
goody *
come back *
bedspread *
manhood *
peaceful *
cut grass *
netball *
tool box *
hymn book *
blackboard *
rough work *
coffee *
said *
won *
crook *
spill *
lamp *
fun *
lot *
fun song *
pet cat *
lumber *
sorry *
wolf cub *
brass tacks *
lost chord *
suntan *
bird's nest *
school meals *
dark horse *
good luck *