This vowel is usually stressed, as in these words:
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LISTEN
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However, /ɪ/ can also be unstressed. In an unstressed syllable,
/ɪ/ is pronounced quickly and softly.
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Spelling:
- "i" - it, little
- "y" - symbol, mystery
- "u" - busy, business
- "ui" - build, biscuit
Grammar Tip:
The sound /ɪ/ occurs in the common prefixes “im-“ and “in-“. These prefixes usually occur at the beginning of a verb or adjective. The vowel /ɪ/ is usually unstressed in the prefix, though not always.
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COMPARE
Compare /ɪ/ with /iy/:
/ɪ/.../iy/.../ɪ/.../iy/.../ɪ/.../iy/...
These are both high, front vowels.
However, /ɪ/ is pronounced with
a relaxed tongue and /iy/ is pronounced
with a tense tongue.
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You can hear the difference between /ɪ/ and /iy/ in these words.
1. A. bit, B. beat
2. A. pill, B. peel 3. A. litter, B. leader 4. A. grin, B. green 5. A. risen, B. reason 5. A. filling, B. feeling |
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Now, compare /ɪ/ with /ɛ/:
/ɪ/…/ɛ/…/ɪ/…/ɛ/…/ɪ/…/ɛ/…
These are both lax, front vowels. However, /ɪ/ is a high vowel, and /ɛ/ is a mid vowel. |
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You can hear the difference between /ɪ/ and /ɛ/ in these words.
1. A. sit, B. set
2. A. lift, B. left 3. A. listen, B. lesson 4. A. pin, B. pen 5. A. fill, B. fell 6. A. bitter, B. better |
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PRACTICE
Listen and repeat these words:
| words_with_-i-.mp3 |
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1. slip
2. fit 3. sick 4. pig 5. miss 6. give 7. lift 8. sin 9. limb 10. fill |
11. slipper
12. blister 13. mitten 14. artist 15. pity 16. winter 17. important 18. convince 19. distribute 20. invisible |
Now, practice /ɪ/ in sentences. Say the words first, then the sentences.
1. visit - sister – sit - kitchen
When I visit my sister, we sit in the kitchen. 2. sick – picking – mittens I’m sick of picking up your mittens. 3. lip – sipping – milk I burned my lip by sipping hot milk. 4. river - isn't - swim - in The river isn't deep enough to swim in. 5. list – picks - film Can you list your top picks for best film? 6. city – visitor’s – sixth We’re at the city visitor’s center on Sixth Street. |
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To practice with different varieties of English, choose another native English speaker by clicking one of the links below:
