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.

  1. batter
  2. butter
  3. better
  4. batter
  5. 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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