One of the biggest pronunciation challenges for learners is English vowels. Unlike many languages, English has more than 14 vowel sounds, but fewer than 10 vowel letters. This means the same letter can represent different sounds depending on the word.

For example, the “a” in cat /kæt/ is different from the “a” in cake /keɪk/ or father /ˈfɑːðər/. Understanding these sound patterns improves both listening and speaking. Using the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is extremely helpful because it guides you toward the correct mouth and tongue position.

Practice minimal pairs such as ship–sheep, full–fool, and bet–bat. Repeat slowly at first, focusing on lip shape and tongue height. Over time, you’ll develop the sensitivity to distinguish similar vowel sounds.

Tip: Record your vowel practice weekly — you’ll notice improvements faster than you expect.