Learn how to pronounce the English R sound clearly. Practice the RED CAR /r/ with tongue-position tips, word lists, and guided exercises to build confident, natural speech.

Where is the sound made?

  • The /r/ sound starts in the same mouth position as the PURPLE SHIRT vowel. To find it, say PURPLE SHIRT “ur”, then release smoothly into the rest of the word or syllable.

How does the air flow?

  • The /r/ sound is continuous—the air keeps moving as you make it.
  • /r/ is a Bridge consonant because it’s somewhere between a vowel and a consonant. Unlike stop consonants, it doesn’t block the airflow. Instead, it flows smoothly around the tongue.

Do I use my voice?

  • Yes. /r/ is a voiced sound, so your vocal cords vibrate when you say it.

Substitution with /l/: Many learners replace /r/ with /l/, especially at the beginning of words (e.g., red → led). This happens because both sounds are made with the tongue lifted, but the shape and airflow are different.

Dropping /r/: In some varieties of English (like British English), the /r/ is not pronounced at the end of words. Learners may drop it in American English as well, which can cause confusion (e.g., car → cah).

Over-curled tongue: Some learners pull the tongue too far back or curl it too tightly, making the /r/ sound muffled or unclear.

Clusters: /r/ often appears in clusters (two or more consonants in a row), as in drive, free, spring. Learners may drop the /r/ or replace it with /l/ in these situations.

RED CAR /r/ Training

The following exercises combine listening, shadowing, and gradually increasing complexity to help you internalize new sounds and rhythm patterns in your spoken English.

Level 1 is available to all visitors. CEA members unlock the complete training.

Goal: Hear and produce the /r/ sound clearly at the beginning of words and syllables.

1) Say each word slowly and clearly.

  • Begin with the PURPLE SHIRT vowel position, then release smoothly into the rest of the word. Keep your tongue relaxed—don’t curl it too tightly.

2) Record yourself and listen back.

  • Does your /r/ sound clear and distinct?
  • Are you avoiding substitutions like /l/?
  • Are you keeping the /r/ instead of dropping it?

Mini Challenge: “Flood” the words in each column (say all of one column in a row). Can you keep the /r/ sound consistent from top to bottom?

  • /r/ at the Beginning of Words

  • /r/ at the Beginning of Syllables

  • /r/ Cluster Words

  • reach

  • arrive

  • pray

  • run

  • around

  • free

  • ride

  • irate

  • fry

  • ready

  • correct

  • grow

  • reserve

  • rearrange

  • brew

  • relationship

  • decoration

  • brow

  • Play Icon

    flood these words

  • Play Icon

    flood these words

  • Play Icon

    flood these words

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Train your pronunciation with carefully designed phrases, sentences, and full paragraphs that help you integrate new sounds and rhythm into real-life speech.

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Access sound-specific word lists, visual guides, and other printable tools to support your learning and keep you on track.

Have a question about what you’re learning? Wondering if you’re practicing correctly? Use the Questions for the Coach feature to get direct answers and guidance right inside each lesson.

Join live monthly sessions where I answer student questions, give pronunciation tips, and offer insight to help you keep growing.

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