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Core minimal pairs

Core minimal pairs for /eɪ/

/eɪ/ starts mid-front and glides UP to /ɪ/. Don't shorten it to /ɛ/ or flatten the glide.

Practice these minimal pairs carefully. If the pair sounds the same in your recording, you're not making the contrast.

Your goal

  1. Say each pair slowly first — exaggerate the difference.
  2. Then say each pair at natural speed with the contrast preserved.
  3. Record and self-check.
/eɪ/FACE diphthongArticulator diagram · regional variants · drill ↗

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Core minimal pairs — Master the /eɪ/ vowel — FACE