long u

Rule Core

The long U sound is typically pronounced /uː/ or /juː/, representing the letter name of U. It often appears in open syllables, u–e patterns, or words preserving historical vowel length. The choice between /uː/ and /juː/ depends on preceding consonants and phonological context.

Articulation Guide

Raise the back of the tongue toward the velum, round and protrude the lips, and release steady airflow. For /juː/, begin with a light palatal glide /j/ before sustaining /uː/.

Word Analysis

In impromptu, u is pronounced /juː/, reflecting Latin influence. Judiciary features a stable /dʒuː/ sequence. Meticulous, despite its spelling, contains /jʊ/ rather than a true long U, making it a frequent source of confusion.

Pitfall Alerts

Do not automatically lengthen every written u. Watch for reduced or altered vowels in unstressed syllables and patterns like -culous or -tious.