voiceless th
Core Rule
The voiceless th represents /θ/, a dental fricative. Air passes between the tongue and teeth without vocal cord vibration. It often appears in content words like think and depth.
Articulation Guide
Place the tongue tip lightly between or against the upper and lower teeth. Keep lips relaxed and push air forward continuously. The sound is breathy, not voiced.
Word Analysis
- depth /depθ/: final th is /θ/; avoid turning it into /s/ or /f/.
- esthetics /esˈθeθɪks/: both th sounds stay voiceless.
- goat: no th—a contrast example to prevent overgeneralization.
Pitfalls
Do not confuse /θ/ with voiced /ð/ as in this, or replace it with /s/ or /f/.
Phonics Breakdown
Tongue lightly between teeth, relaxed lips, steady airflow, no voicing.
Sound Reference
- Use a piece of paper to feel the airflow.
- Sustain /θ/ slowly before blending into words.
Common Mistakes
Replacing /θ/ with /s/ or /f/.
Voicing it as /ð/ unintentionally.