voiced th

Rule Core

Voiced th refers to th = /ð/, the voiced dental fricative. The core logic is simple: vocal cord vibration plus dental friction. By phonological presumption, high-frequency function words default to the voiced form.

Articulation Guide

• Tongue: lightly touches the upper teeth
• Mouth: relaxed and slightly open
• Airflow: continuous and soft
• Voice: vocal cords vibrate

Word Analysis

• the /ðə/: most frequent article, always voiced
• this /ðɪs/: demonstrative with clear voicing
• mother /ˈmʌðər/: medial th is predictably voiced

Pitfalls

• Do not replace with /z/ or /d/
• Avoid biting the tongue
• Word-initial th is not always voiceless