d sound

Core Rule

The d sound is a voiced alveolar stop /d/. It is produced with vocal cord vibration and a brief airflow blockage, appearing in initial, medial, or final positions, as in aid, afford, bald.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue tip against the alveolar ridge, lips relaxed. Stop the airflow briefly, then release it while voicing.

Word Analysis

• aid: Final /d/ must be clearly released.
• afford: The /d/ is light but audible.
• bald: After /l/, the tongue quickly returns to the ridge for /d/.

Pitfalls

Avoid devoicing /d/ into /t/, especially at word endings, or dropping it in connected speech.