ow diphth

Rule Core

The ow diphthong commonly represents /aʊ/, starting with an open /a/ and gliding toward a rounded /ʊ/. It appears mainly in stressed syllables and often shares the same sound value as ou.

Articulation Guide

Begin with a relaxed, open jaw and low tongue position. As the sound moves forward, round the lips slightly and shift the tongue back. Maintain smooth airflow throughout the glide.

Word Analysis

allow /əˈlaʊ/: ow clearly signals /aʊ/ in the stressed syllable. allowance /əˈlaʊəns/: ow keeps /aʊ/ before a reduced vowel. accountable /əˈkaʊntəbl/: spelled with ou, yet phonologically identical, showing a common spelling alternative.

Pitfalls

Avoid confusing ow /aʊ/ with long o /oʊ/. Sound value depends on stress and lexical pattern, not spelling alone.