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Core minimal pairs
Core minimal pairs for /ɑr/
In American English, /ɑr/ is a single r-colored vowel. In non-rhotic accents (RP, Australian), the 'r' drops: 'car' = [kɑː].
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.
/ɑr/START r-coloredArticulator diagram · regional variants · drill ↗
Listen Across Accents
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car
hard
farm
Your Turn — 4 exercises
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