9. Cap, Cop, Cup: BLACK /æ/, OLIVE /a/ & MUSTARD /ʌ/
BLACK CAT, OLIVE SOCK and a CUP of MUSTARD are all non-moving vowel sounds. They are acoustically very similar.
Now that you know these 3 sound exists, the best way to improve hearing and speaking them distinctly is imitation and shadowing.
Watch yourself in the mirror as you practice, notice how the mouth is more open for BLACK and OLIVE, but more closed for MUSTARD.
Many learners find it very difficult to hear and speak BLACK, OLIVE and MUSTARD distinctly. As a result, these 3 sounds may blend together into 1 sound from a learner’s first language.
BLACK CAT:
- a: ask, happy, bad, answer
OLIVE SOCK:
- o: not, body, operate, job
- a: father, watch, water
The letter “O,” standing on it’s own in a syllable without another vowel letter next to it, will usually sound like OLIVE SOCK.
a CUP of MUSTARD:
- u: cup, but, stub
- o: come, some
- ou: rough, young
BLACK, OLIVE & MUSTARD 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 each vowel sound clearly in single words.
- Listen to the minimal pair words. Can you hear the contrast?
- Say the words with me, keeping each sound clear and distinct.
- Record yourself saying the pairs. Then listen back—do your BLACK CAT, OLIVE SOCK and a CUP of MUSTARD vowels sound different?
Mini Challenge: “Flood” the words in each column (say all of one column in a row). Can you keep the vowel sound consistent from top to bottom?
BLACK, OLIVE, MUSTARD Minimal Pairs
-
BLACK CAT
-
OLIVE SOCK
-
a CUP of MUSTARD
-
hat
-
hot
-
hut
-
pat
-
pot
-
putt
-
mam
-
mom
-
mum
-
gnat
-
not
-
nut
-
lack
-
lock
-
luck
-
rat
-
rot
-
rut
-
stamp
-
stomp
-
stump
Your next step: Become a CEA member and get...
Train your pronunciation with carefully designed phrases, sentences, and full paragraphs that help you integrate new sounds and rhythm into real-life speech.
Get inspired to speak! Each lesson includes structured prompts to help you describe, explain, and express yourself using the skills you're developing.
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.
Your Clear Voice Awaits - Take the Next Step
Keep building your clarity and courage with guided, step-by-step practice inside Clear English Academy.
Join Clear English AcademyFrequently Asked Questions.
Clear English Academy is designed for intermediate to advanced English speakers who want to improve their pronunciation, speech rhythm, and speaking confidence.
Yes. Many of our students are fluent but feel held back by pronunciation, rhythm, or hesitation when speaking. If you want to feel more clear, confident, and connected when you speak, this program is for you.
Free training gives you access to foundational lessons. Membership unlocks the full training path, with interactive practice materials and advanced drills.
Yes! You can begin with free lessons to explore the method and see how it works for you. When you’re ready, you can upgrade to access the full training path, members-only practice materials, and advanced exercises.
The Clear English approach is not about “eliminating” or “fixing” your accent. We focus on clarity, connection, and natural communication. Our goal is to help you speak clearly and be understood.
Many students notice changes in just a few weeks. The training is designed to build lasting skills through consistent practice.
You can go at your own pace. Most students begin with just 15–20 minutes a few times a week. Progress builds through consistent, focused practice rather than long hours.
We recommend it! The training path is designed to be progressive, with each step building on the last. But you can also jump into any section that matches your current goals or challenges.
Clear English Academy offers both free access and a paid membership. The membership gives you full access to the training path, members-only materials, and ongoing updates.
Members-only training includes self-monitoring tools and advanced practice to help you improve independently. We’re also developing options for coaching feedback, which may be available soon.
Still have questions? We’re here to help! Just send a message to hello@clearenglishacademy.com.