short i + voiced th

Rule Core

The pattern short i /ɪ/ + voiced th /ð/ occurs frequently in high-frequency forms, especially the prefix with- as in within, without, withhold. The vowel is brief and lax, followed immediately by a voiced dental fricative. The logic is efficiency: a short vowel transitions quickly into a sustained voiced consonant.

Articulation Guide

/ɪ/: mid-front, relaxed tongue, neutral lips. /ð/: tongue tip lightly between the teeth, continuous airflow with vocal cord vibration. Keep the transition tight and rhythmic.

Word Analysis

within /wɪˈðɪn/: clear /ɪð/ sequence; stress on the second syllable. without /wɪˈðaʊt/: ensure voicing on /ð/. withhold /wɪðˈhoʊld/: the prefix is weak; never lengthen /ɪ/.

Pitfalls

Do not devoice /ð/ to /θ/. Avoid reading i as /iː/. Remember that spelling th does not guarantee a voiceless sound.