voiced th
Core Rule
The voiced th represents /ð/, a voiced dental fricative. The vocal cords vibrate, and it commonly appears in function words or medial/final positions.
Articulation Guide
Place the tongue lightly between the teeth, let air pass continuously, and engage voicing. No strong bite or stop.
Word Analysis
- altogether /ˌɔːltəˈɡeðər/: medial voiced th.
- another /əˈnʌðər/: unstressed syllable voicing.
- bathe /beɪð/: final th becomes voiced after a vowel.
Pitfalls
Do not confuse /ð/ with voiceless /θ/ (think). Same spelling, different voicing.
Phonics Breakdown
Tongue between teeth, steady airflow, vocal cords vibrating.
Sound Reference
- Check voicing by touching your throat.
- Function words often use voiced th.
Common Mistakes
Pronouncing /ð/ as voiceless /θ/.
Assuming all final th are voiceless.
Example Words
All Words (71)
altogether another bathe bathing bosom bother breathe brother buddhism busy close closed clothe clothes clothing dessert either enthusiasm farther father fatherly feather further gather grandmother his hitherto leather mother motherly neither northern noteworthy notwithstanding other others otherwise pause pleased rather regards rhythm rhythmic rise rosy smooth soothe than that the their them themselves then there thereafter these they this those though thus together twentieth used user weather weatherman with wither worthy