DIPHTHONGS

What are diphthongs?

A combination of two vowel sounds.

Sounds which consist of a movement or glide from one vowel to another.

There are eight diphthongs in English language

ɪ (both British and American)both British and American)

Move from open, front vowel sound to half open, central vowel sound.

e

Peer Fierce Tears Beard Deer

She enjoys the respect of her peers. There is a herd of red deer on the

mountain. Her daughter is very dear to her. Are you a beer drinker? The child was shaking with fear. She left the room in tears. Are you clear about the

arrangements for tomorrow.

e (both British and American)(both British and American)

Move from half open, front vowel sound to half open, central vowel sound.

e

Aired Pear Bear Care Rare Fair

ʊ (both British and American)(both British and American)

Move from close, back vowel sound to half open, central vowel sound.

e

Poor Tour Tournament pluralize

The band is on tour in France. The Sahara cup tournament was won

by Australia. The verb should be in plural in this

sentence. They were too poor to buy shoes for

the kids. Her eyes were cruel and hard.

eɪ(both British and American)(both British and American)

Move from half open, front vowel sound to close, front vowel sound.

They Ray Pain Face Race Grace trace

I’m playing badminton with Mathew tomorrow.

The train is coming. The aliens landed quietly. I’ve made a shopping list. Have you ever played cricket. The plane has just landed. We haven’t had a party for ages.

aɪ (both British and American)(both British and American)

Move from open, back vowel sound to close, front vowel sound.

Tide Ride Time Nice Rice Slice exercise

My arms are aching terribly. I really needs a rest. I think you are right. I like school. A light was flaming. I’ve just had an idea. I’ve felt really tired for a whole week

now.

ɔɪ (both British and American)(both British and American)

Move from back, half open vowel sound to close, front vowel sound.

Boy Roy Void Voice Noise Joy toy

The boy enjoying playing with his toys.

The singers are annoyed by the noise in the audience.

The royal advisers were loyal. She dropped the coins into the hole in

the soil. Don’t leave the oil to boil, please.

ʊ (only British)oʊ (only American)

Move from back, close vowel sound to half open, central vowel sound.

e

Go Home Most Ghost Host

Don’t phone before you go to the puppet show.

Were you home alone? She said no when asked for a new

stove. He drove slowly because he was

carrying a heavy load. I suppose he goes up the road often.

aʊ (both British and American)(both British and American)

Move from open, back vowel sound to close, back vowel sound.

Loud House Mouse Now Out Cow sound

The brown mouse found another house.

How many sounds can the machine make?

It sounds like the shower is still on. She was not allowed to make noise. Mother read a story about how they

found the king’s crown.