oy diphth
Core Rule
The oy diphthong represents the sound /ɔɪ/, a smooth glide from a mid‑back rounded vowel to a high front lax vowel. It typically appears in the middle or at the end of words, rarely at the beginning.
Articulation Guide
Start with slightly rounded lips and the tongue positioned back. Glide forward and upward toward /ɪ/, flattening the lips. The airflow remains continuous without a break.
Word Analysis
- boy: A clear, single-syllable example of /ɔɪ/.
- alloy: Stress highlights the full glide in the final syllable.
- annoyance: The stressed syllable carries the strongest /ɔɪ/ quality.
Pitfall Alerts
Avoid reducing /ɔɪ/ to a pure /o/ or /i/. Do not confuse oy with oi, which follows different positional spelling rules.
Phonics Breakdown
Start rounded and back, glide forward and up, flatten the lips.
Sound Reference
- Practice the full glide; do not shorten the diphthong.
- Notice that oy rarely appears at the beginning of words.
Common Mistakes
Pronouncing oy as a pure /o/ sound.
Mixing up oy with oi spelling rules.