r-controlled
Core Rule
R-controlled vowels occur when a vowel is followed by r, causing the vowel to lose its pure sound and merge with /r/. Common patterns include ar, er, ir, or, ur.
Articulation Guide
Curl the tongue slightly toward the alveolar ridge, relax the jaw, and let airflow stay smooth. The /r/ resonance dominates the vowel quality.
Word Analysis
In glossary, ar forms /ɑr/. In steer, eer produces /ɪr/, not a long /iː/.
Pitfalls
Do not over-distinguish er/ir/ur; in stressed syllables they usually share /ər/.
Phonics Breakdown
Curl the tongue slightly, relax the mouth, keep airflow smooth.
Sound Reference
- Focus on the /r/ resonance first
- Memorize er/ir/ur as one sound family
Common Mistakes
Pronouncing r-controlled vowels as pure vowels
Over-separating er, ir, and ur