中 EN 日 한 VI
Other Patterns 14 words

rhotic ir

Core Rule

IR r-controlled vowel occurs when a vowel is followed by r, causing the vowel to lose its pure quality and merge with /r/, typically realized as /ɜːr/ in American English. Spellings ir, er, ur, ere often represent the same sound.

Articulation Guide

Slightly curl the tongue tip toward the alveolar ridge without touching. Keep the mouth relaxed, lips neutral, and let steady airflow sustain the r-colored vowel.

Word Analysis

adhere /ədˈhɪr/: ere functions as an r-controlled vowel, not a long /iː/. adherence: the same r-colored vowel appears in the unstressed syllable. coherence: despite different spelling, ere shares the IR sound category.

Pitfalls

Avoid pronouncing ir as /ɪ/ or /iː/. Focus on sound over spelling.

Phonics Breakdown

Light tongue curl, relaxed mouth, steady airflow blending vowel and r

Sound Reference

  • Group ir/er/ur/ere as one sound category
  • Master tongue curl before adding words

Common Mistakes

Pronouncing ir as /ɪ/
Over-rolling the r sound

Example Words

adhere adherence coherence empirical hierarchy irrigate irrigation irritating mirror perseverance

All Words (14)

adhere adherence coherence empirical hierarchy irrigate irrigation irritating mirror perseverance persevere souvenir thirteen virginity