Minimal pairs
In each page in this section you will see a list of ten minimal pairs and be able to listen to hear the differences. Then you will be able to check your perception skills with a simple test.
| Contrasting vowel sounds | Example words |
| /eə/ v. /ɪə/ | Air v. Ear |
| /æ/ v. /e/ | Bad v. Bed |
| /iː/ v. /ɪ/ | Beat v. Bit |
| /ɜː/ v. /ʌ/ | Bird v. Bud |
| /æ/ v. /ʌ/ | Cat v. Cut |
| /əʊ/ v. /ɔː/ | Coat v. Court |
| /ɒ/ v. /ɔː/ | Cot v. Caught |
| /ɜː/ v. /ɔː/ | Fur v. Four |
| /ɑː/ v. /ɒ/ | Heart v. Hot |
| /ɑː/ v. /ʌ/ | Heart v. Hut |