Initial /ɹ/ before vowels

Start with word-initial /ɹ/

The easiest place to practice /ɹ/ is at the start of a word, before a vowel. Try these words slowly, focusing on the very first sound.

Tips

• Slight lip rounding before the vowel helps — especially for "red", "row", "run".
• Keep the tongue in /ɹ/ shape as you move into the vowel. Don't release it as a separate sound.
• Compare with and without rounding — rounding makes it more distinctly American.

Practice words

• Short vowel after: red, rest, run, rock
• Long vowel after: read, raise, rose, rude
• Diphthong after: right, rain, rose, round

Common mistakes to avoid

• Tapping (Spanish-style single-flap) — /ɹ/ is sustained, not a tap.
• Trilling — the tongue never vibrates.
• Using French uvular R — stays in the front of the mouth, not the back.