American English Vowel Sounds: /ɑ/, AH as in OLIVE
In this lesson you will learn everything you need to know about pronouncing the /ɑ/, AH as in OLIVE vowel sound in American English.
Here’s what we will cover:
- Exactly how to move the mouth to make this sound
- Minimal pair listening practice to help you differentiate /ɑ/, AH as in OLIVE from /ʌ/, UH as in PLUM
- Imitation of this sound in words and sentences
CLARITY KICKSTART STUDENTS: Minimal pairs begin at 2:10 and end at 5:58
Practice words and sentences used in this lesson:
Possible
That’s not possible.
They need it as soon as possible.
Option
What are the options?
I think this is the best option.
Stop
When can you stop by?
I think we should stop here.
Problem
Is this a problem?
No problem.
Water
May I have a glass of water?
How’s the water.
Job
Do you like your new job?
It’s a big job.
Continue your practice with this list of
50 Super Common AH, /ɑ/ as in OLIVE Words
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Day 4 |
Day 5 |
|
not |
policy | economy | beyond |
modern |
|
problem |
process | hospital | quality |
positive |
|
water |
probably | involve | box |
shot |
|
lot |
college | top | knowledge |
option |
|
job |
economic | drop | rock |
object |
|
father |
possible | upon | respond |
concept |
|
body |
model | common | popular |
conduct |
|
watch |
project | hot | politics |
conversation |
|
follow |
technology | response | conference |
involved |
|
stop |
Congress | stock | property |
conflict |
Grab a PDF of the practice list here:
