voiceless th

Rule Core

The 28th voiceless TH rule states that th is pronounced /θ/, a voiceless dental fricative. The sound is produced by airflow friction without vocal cord vibration, common in ordinals and abstract nouns.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue tip lightly between the upper and lower teeth, lips relaxed, and push air steadily. The throat should show no vibration.

Word Analysis

• eighth /eɪθ/: gh is silent; final th is /θ/.
• fourth /fɔːrθ/: move smoothly from /r/ to /θ/.
• myth /mɪθ/: short vowel plus clear fricative ending.

Pitfalls

Do not confuse /θ/ with /ð/. Avoid substituting /s/, /f/, or /t/.