weak ou

Rule Core

Weak “ou” occurs when ou is unstressed and reduces from /aʊ/ to /ʌ/ or /ə/. Stress and rhythm, not spelling, drive this change.

Articulation

Tongue relaxed and central, jaw slightly open, lips neutral. Airflow is short and light.

Example

youngster /ˈjʌŋstər/: ou stays reduced like in young, never /jaʊ/.

Pitfalls

Common before n/d/b/r (country, double). Do not over‑round or diphthongize.