aw sound

Rule Core

The aw sound represents the long vowel /ɔː/, formed by the letter pair a + w. It signals a back, rounded, open vowel, typically in stressed syllables and often in the middle or at the start of words.

Articulation Guide

Pull the tongue slightly back and low. Round the lips gently forward. Let the airflow move steadily with vocal cord vibration. Sustain the vowel; do not clip it.

Word Analysis

• appall /əˈpɔːl/: aw clearly marks the long /ɔː/ sound.
• awesome /ˈɔːsəm/: word-initial aw is full and resonant.
• awfully /ˈɔːfəli/: even before /f/, the vowel remains long.

Pitfalls

Do not confuse aw with short /ɒ/ or /ɑ/. Distinguish it from other /ɔː/ spellings like au, or, al.