GT Solutions
Advertisement
Sound guides / V / W
V and W
V uses the top teeth on the bottom lip with voice. W uses rounded lips that don't touch the teeth.
Why this sound matters
Many languages have only one of these sounds, so vest and west or vine and wine can sound the same.
Step 1: Find the position
- For V: rest your top teeth lightly on your bottom lip and buzz (very, voice).
- For W: round your lips as if saying 'oo', then open into the vowel (we, work).
- Check in a mirror: V shows teeth on the lip, W shows a small round lip shape.
- Practise the pairs slowly, then at normal speed.
Step 2: Fix common mistakes
V sounds like W ('wery')
Bring the top teeth onto the bottom lip.
W sounds like V ('vork')
Keep the teeth away. Round the lips instead.
V sounds like B
The lips are closing. Use teeth on lip and keep air flowing.
Step 3: Practise words
Say each word slowly three times, then at normal speed. Record one round and listen back.
Beginning
- very
- voice
- value
- work
- we
- week
Middle
- over
- review
- never
- away
- power
- always
End / key words
- have
- give
- move
- save
- five
- solve
Step 4: Hear the difference
These pairs differ by one sound. Say them side by side so the difference is clear to a listener.
vestwest
vinewine
veilwhale
berryvery
Step 5: Use it in sentences
Read each sentence aloud twice. Record the second time and check the target sound in every word.
- We have a very busy week ahead.
- Will you review the five value points?
- We always work well over video.
Keep practising
Short daily practice works better than one long session. Spend 5 minutes on this guide each day for a week.
More sound guides
- The TH sounds (think, this)
- The English R
- The L sound (light and dark L)
- S and Z
- Word endings (T, D and -ED)
Educational speaking practice, not speech therapy. For ongoing concerns, talk to a qualified speech-language professional.