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LISTEN |
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/ə/.../ə/.../ə/.../ə/...
about...undo...hated...certain... |
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WHAT IS IT? |
Pronunciation:
The vowel /ə/ (called "Schwa") is a central, mid, lax vowel. It is a reduced vowel, which means it is shorter and quicker than other vowels and only appears in unstressed syllables. This vowel is found in most unstressed syllables in English.
Spelling:
Grammar Tip:
In addition to unstressed syllables within words, /ə/ is often used in a certain set of words called "function words" (or "structure words"). These are words that carry grammatical meaning within a sentence. They are often spoken quickly with reduced vowels in conversational English.
Listen to these sentences. The underlined words are function words. Notice how the function words are pronounced with /ə/ instead of a full vowel,
The vowel /ə/ (called "Schwa") is a central, mid, lax vowel. It is a reduced vowel, which means it is shorter and quicker than other vowels and only appears in unstressed syllables. This vowel is found in most unstressed syllables in English.
- Your lips should be relaxed and slightly open, not rounded or spread.
- Let your tongue rest in the center of your mouth, without touching any part of your mouth.
- Breathe out, and let your vocal cords vibrate. Pronounce the vowel quickly and softly.
Spelling:
- "a" - about, majority
- "o"- official, lion
- "u" - undo, medium
- "e" - different, wanted
- "i" - family, reality
- "io" - mission, condition
- "ai" - certain, mountain
- "ia" - special, essential
Grammar Tip:
In addition to unstressed syllables within words, /ə/ is often used in a certain set of words called "function words" (or "structure words"). These are words that carry grammatical meaning within a sentence. They are often spoken quickly with reduced vowels in conversational English.
- Articles: a, an, the
- Prepositions: of, to, for, at
- Conjunctions: or, and
- Pronouns: him, her, them, you, some
- Auxiliary verbs: do, can, have
Listen to these sentences. The underlined words are function words. Notice how the function words are pronounced with /ə/ instead of a full vowel,
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COMPARE |
Compare /ə/ with /ʌ/:
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/ə/.../ʌ/.../ə/.../ʌ/.../ə/.../ʌ/...
These are both central, mid, lax vowels. However, /ə/ is a reduced vowel and /ʌ/ is a full vowel. This means that /ə/ is shorter and softer than /ʌ/. |
Practice hearing the difference between /ə/ and /ʌ/ by taking the quiz below.
Compare Word Forms:
A stressed syllable in a word may become unstressed when a suffix is added to the word, which changes the word stress. Listen to these examples. Notice how the underlined full vowel becomes the reduced vowel /ə/ when the suffix is added.
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Practice listening to words with /ə/ and with a full vowel by taking the quiz below.
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PRACTICE |
Listen and repeat these words:

words_with_schwa.mp3 | |
File Size: | 591 kb |
File Type: | mp3 |
1. sofa
2. about 3. undo 4. umbrella 5. unlucky 6. potato 7. motion 8. wanted 9. lion 10. method |
11. collection
12. uncertain 13. stability 14. magazine 15. industry 16. period 17. avoidance 18. photography 19. additional 20. uncomfortable |
Now, practice /ə/ in sentences. Say the words first, then the sentences. (Remember that in a sentence, some function words will also have /ə/.)
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1. family - support - decision - abroad
His family doesn't support his decision to go abroad. 2. important - complete - assignments It's important for you to complete all your assignments. 3. helpful - collect - supplies Before you start a project, it's helpful to collect all your supplies. 4. apartment - beautiful - colorful Your apartment is so beautiful and colorful! 5. uncomfortable - about - personal - problems I'm uncomfortable talking about personal problems. 6. somebody - applied - position Somebody told me that you applied for a new position at work. |
To practice with different varieties of English, choose another native English speaker by clicking one of the links below:
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USE IT! |
Practice the task below. Then, record yourself completing that task. Give your recording to a teacher or an English-speaking friend for feedback.
Prepare:
What topics do you talk about with strangers?
Prepare:
What topics do you talk about with strangers?
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- Religion
- Political opinions
- The problems of society
- Personal problems
- Your salary and finances
- Your relationships
- Current news
- Technology
- Your education
- Activities that you enjoy
Record:
Imagine you are giving advice to a shy friend who wants to have better conversations with strangers. Tell them which topics are good for conversation and which topics are bad for conversation. Explain why.
©2018-2021, Christine Wingate

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