Hi! This is Amy, with Go Places English, and today I want to compare the pronunciation of BITTER, BETTER, BATTER, & BUTTER in American English.
These four words have similar spellings, with the exception of the first vowel. Let’s take a closer look at these words and how to pronounce them correctly.
In all of these words the double T is pronounced like a D, also known as Flap T.
In the first word, BITTER, the I is pronounced like the I in IT, WITH, and IN. Bitter.
Say it a few times with me.
bitter
bitter
bitter
bitter
Good. In the next word, BETTER, the first E is pronounced like BED, EGG, and GET. Better.
Say it with me.
better
better
better
better
Nice. This next word, BATTER, has a short A sound, like APPLE, AT, and CAT. Batter.
Repeat with me.
batter
batter
batter
batter
Very nice. This last word, BUTTER, has a short U sound, like in COME, US, and NUT. Butter.
Practice with me.
butter
butter
butter
butter
Good. Now let’s say them together. Repeat with me.
bitter
better
batter
butter
bitter
better
batter
butter
Can you distinguish between the sounds? One more time.
bitter
better
batter
butter
bitter
better
batter
butter
Nice.
Record yourself saying all four words, and compare your pronunciation to mine. This will help you determine if your pronunciation is accurate.
Now, take out your notebook and a pen or pencil for a pop quiz. Write down the word you hear me say.
- batter
- butter
- better
- batter
- bitter
Very good. Check your answers in the transcript, located in the description of this video. Let me know how many you got right in the comments.
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