r-schwa

Core Rule

R-controlled schwa occurs when a vowel before r in an unstressed syllable reduces to /ər/ or /ɚ/. Spellings vary (er, ar, or), but pronunciation converges under r’s control.

Articulation

Relax the mouth, lightly curl or retract the tongue toward the alveolar ridge, steady airflow; avoid full vowel quality.

Word Analysis

In considerable, -er- → /ər/; entertaining weakens -er-; error shows r-dominant reduction across spellings.

Pitfalls

Do not pronounce clear vowels; stress shifts can block reduction.