r-controlled ir

Rule Core

IR r-controlled vowel occurs when ir merges with r, pulling the vowel toward the center. In General American, it’s commonly /ɜr/ or /ɪr/ depending on stress.

Articulation Guide

Lift the tongue tip slightly without touching the palate; relax the tongue body. Lips are lightly rounded. Maintain steady airflow.

Word Analysis

• cafeteria /ˌkæfəˈtɪriə/: ir → /ɪr/ in an unstressed syllable.
• experienced /ɪkˈspɪriənst/: ir → /ɪr/, tightly linked to the preceding consonant.
• merely /ˈmɪrli/: ir → /ɪr/, r centralizes the vowel.

Pitfalls

Avoid a pure /ɪ/ or long /iː/. Don’t confuse ir with similar sounds spelled er/ur.