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Sound guides / R

The English R

The American and Canadian English R is made without the tongue tip touching anything. The tongue bunches or curls back slightly and the lips round a little.

Why this sound matters

Many speakers use a tapped or rolled R from their first language, or replace R with W or L. A clear R helps words like right, ready and around.

Step 1: Find the position

  1. Pull the tongue back slightly so the tip does not touch the roof of the mouth.
  2. Either curl the tip up a little or bunch the middle of the tongue up. Both work.
  3. Let the sides of the tongue touch your upper back teeth.
  4. Round the lips slightly and keep the voice on.

Step 2: Fix common mistakes

Tapped or rolled R

The tip is touching the ridge behind the teeth. Pull it back so it floats.

R sounds like W ('wight')

Only the lips are working. Lift the tongue as well.

R sounds like L

The tip is pressing up. Release it and pull the tongue back.

Step 3: Practise words

Say each word slowly three times, then at normal speed. Record one round and listen back.

Beginning

  • right
  • ready
  • report
  • result
  • red
  • road

Middle

  • very
  • around
  • correct
  • story
  • carry
  • direction

End / key words

  • car
  • far
  • clear
  • sure
  • more
  • your

Step 4: Hear the difference

These pairs differ by one sound. Say them side by side so the difference is clear to a listener.

lightright
waitrate
collectcorrect
leadread

Step 5: Use it in sentences

Read each sentence aloud twice. Record the second time and check the target sound in every word.

Keep practising

Short daily practice works better than one long session. Spend 5 minutes on this guide each day for a week.

Take the free speaking assessmentSpeak up in meetings

More sound guides

Educational speaking practice, not speech therapy. For ongoing concerns, talk to a qualified speech-language professional.

By The Articulate Method Editorial Team

The Articulate Method Editorial Team creates and reviews educational content focused on clearer speech, pronunciation, fluency, confidence, and professional communication.

Our content is developed to provide practical, structured speaking exercises and communication strategies that adults can apply in real-world situations such as meetings, interviews, presentations, and everyday conversations.

The Articulate Method is an educational communication-training platform and does not provide speech therapy, medical diagnosis, or clinical treatment.

Content is reviewed for clarity, usefulness, and consistency with The Articulate Method’s educational framework before publication.

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