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Other Patterns 2 words

ir/ur rhotic

Rule Core

ir/ur belong to r-controlled vowels. When i or u is followed by r, the vowel loses its pure quality and merges into a single rhotic sound /ɜr/. This sound can be spelled ir, ur, and often er, ear, or.

Articulation Guide

Curl the tongue slightly upward and backward without touching the alveolar ridge. Keep the mouth relaxed and open. Air flows steadily with no glide or break, forming one unified sound.

Word Analysis

  • rehearse: ear represents /ɜr/, not /iə/.
  • spear: ear is r-controlled and pronounced /spɪr/, not split into two vowels.

Pitfalls

Avoid pronouncing the vowel fully before adding /r/. With r-control, the vowel and /r/ function as one sound.

Phonics Breakdown

Curl tongue back, relax mouth, steady airflow, one sound

Sound Reference

  • Memorize /ɜr/ as one unit
  • Check for r-control before sounding out vowels

Common Mistakes

Splitting the vowel and /r/
Reading ear as /iə/ by default

Example Words

rehearse spear