ng sound
Rule Core
The ng sound refers to the velar nasal /ŋ/. It appears in the spelling ng, or when n occurs before g/k, triggering nasal assimilation. The sound is continuous, nasal, and non-explosive.
Articulation Guide
Raise the back of the tongue to the soft palate; keep the tongue tip relaxed. The mouth stays slightly open while airflow exits through the nose.
Word Analysis
branch /brɑːntʃ/ uses /n/ + /tʃ/, not /ŋ/; calm has no ng sound; conquest /ˈkɒŋkwest/ shows /n/ becoming /ŋ/ before k.
Pitfalls
Do not pronounce /ŋ/ as /n/ plus /g/, and watch for silent letters masking the sound.
Phonics Breakdown
Raise tongue back, relax tip, mouth slightly open, air through nose.
Sound Reference
- Practice sustaining /ŋ/ before adding the next consonant.
- Contrast tongue position of /n/ vs /ŋ/.
Common Mistakes
Pronouncing /ŋ/ as /n/ plus /g/.
Ignoring assimilation before g/k.