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The AU Digraph

Mastering the "AU" sound will make your English sound much more natural, especially in common words. It's a key vowel sound that helps you blend in with native speakers.

How to make it

/ɔ/
/ɔ/
open-mid back rounded
  • Lips: rounded
  • Tongue: mid-back
  • Voicing: voiced
💡 Round your lips, tongue mid-back.
  1. Relax your tongue, but arch it slightly in the back.
  2. Pucker your lips, similar to how you'd start to say "W," but not as tightly.
  3. Drop your jaw a little.
  4. Hold this position steadily to create the sound.

Watch out for

  • Too tight lips: Don't pucker your lips too much, or it might sound like a "W" or a different vowel. Keep them relaxed.
  • Confusing it with the Short O: Many American English speakers merge this sound with the Short O. While often understood, distinguishing it can add clarity. Focus on the slight lip pursing for the "AU" sound.

Words to try

  • author
  • awkward
  • sauce
  • draw
  • caught
  • lawyer
  • autumn
  • straw

💡 Practice makes perfect! Don't be afraid to exaggerate the mouth movements at first to really feel the sound.

The AU Digraph — American Vowels