r sound or

Rule Core

The or r-controlled vowel occurs when or forms /ɔr/ or /ɔːr/. The letter r reshapes the vowel instead of sounding separately, creating a deep, resonant quality.

Articulation Guide

Curl the tongue slightly upward without touching the palate. Lips are lightly rounded. Airflow is smooth and sustained from the mid-back of the mouth.

Word Analysis

• for: compact /fɔr/, with r coloring the vowel.
• report: stress on -port; clear r-controlled vowel.
• enormous: or keeps its r-coloring even in a longer word.

Pitfalls

Do not replace or with /oʊ/ or drop the r sound entirely.