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Core minimal pairs
Core minimal pairs for /ɛr/
/ɛr/ is a mid-front vowel gliding into American r. Don't let it fall to /æ/ ('cat') or rise to /ɪ/ ('kit') — stay mid and tense.
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.
/ɛr/SQUARE r-coloredArticulator diagram · regional variants · drill ↗
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care
hair
bear
Your Turn — 4 exercises
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