3. The Schwa Sound /ǝ/: English’s Secret Vowel
Schwa typically sounds like “uh,” as in a CUP of MUSTARD.
Sometimes schwa may sound a little SILVER, especially in prefixes like re-, be– and de-. This can vary by speaker.
This short, quick sound is made in the middle of the mouth with a relaxed tongue, jaw, and lips.
Key point: schwa is never long! It’s always quick and weak.
Any vowel letter, A, E, I, O or U, can be pronounced as schwa. So you can’t look at a written word and see schwa. You have to listen for it.
Schwa 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.
Listen and repeat the words below. Can you hear the Schwa syllable(s)?
Remember: Schwa is quick and relaxed, unlike the longer, more prominent primary stressed syllable.
When you’re ready, click the button to check your answers.
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WORD
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SYLLABLES
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PHRASE
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attention
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a-ten-tion
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Please pay attention.
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idea
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i-de-a
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I have an idea!
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celebrate
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ce-le-brate
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Let’s celebrate!
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connection
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con-nec-tion
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We have a bad connection.
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margarita
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ma-ga-ri-ta
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I’ll have a margarita.
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modify
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mo-di-fy
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Can we modify this?
attention:
ǝ-ten-shǝn, 1st and 3rd syllable schwa
idea:
i-de–ǝ, 3rd syllable schwa
celebrate:
ce-lǝ-brate, 2nd syllable schwa
connection:
cǝ-nec-shǝn, 1st and 3rd syllable schwa
margarita:
mar-gǝ-ri-tǝ, 2nd and 4th syllable schwa
modify:
mo-dǝ-fy, 2nd syllable schwa
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