blend+short u

Rule Core

Consonant blends + short u combine two or three consonants (e.g., bl, cl, dr, tr, sl) pronounced smoothly together, followed by the short vowel u /ʌ/ as in cup. Each consonant keeps its sound; no vowel is added between them.

Articulation Guide

Tongue rests mid-low, lips relaxed. Release the blended consonants in one airflow, then drop quickly into /ʌ/ without rounding.

Word Analysis

plug (/plʌg/): glide from /p/ to /l/; drum (/drʌm/): firm onset; truck, slug, brush show the same blend-to-vowel transition.

Pitfalls

Do not read /ʌ/ as long /uː/ or /o/. Avoid inserting a schwa between consonants (not puh-lug).