Sound: Diphthongs
Two vowel sounds glide together.
Examples
- boy
- now
- go
- day
Key rules
- A diphthong is a vowel that glides from one sound to another, such as /aɪ/ in boy /ɔɪ/, now /aʊ/, go /əʊ/ and day /eɪ/
- Diphthongs are held as one syllable
- Keep the glide clear to avoid sounding like a single vowel
Common mistakes
- now pronounced /nɒ/ → Say /naʊ/ with a glide
- go pronounced /ɡɒ/ → Say /ɡəʊ/ with a glide
Use cases
- Pronouncing common words
- Speaking clearly
- Listening exercises
💡 Tip: Practise each diphthong as a single movement from the first vowel to the second.