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Core minimal pairs
Core minimal pairs for /ʊr/
/ʊr/ is a rounded high-back vowel gliding into r. Many modern American speakers merge it with /ɔr/ (NORTH) — 'sure' sounds like 'shore'. Both are acceptable.
Practice these minimal pairs carefully. If the pair sounds the same in your recording, you're not making the contrast.
Your goal
- Say each pair slowly first — exaggerate the difference.
- Then say each pair at natural speed with the contrast preserved.
- Record and self-check.
/ʊr/CURE r-coloredArticulator diagram · regional variants · drill ↗
Listen Across Accents
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pure
cure
sure
Your Turn — 4 exercises
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