short u

Rule Core

The short u sound is spelled u and pronounced /ʌ/ in closed syllables, as in sun and cup. A closed syllable ends with a consonant, keeping the vowel short.

Articulation Guide

Tongue rests low-central, lips relaxed, jaw slightly open. Produce a brief, relaxed burst of sound without lengthening.

Word Analysis

sun, bus, cut show classic short u. In contrast, stimulant contains u pronounced /jʊ/, not short u—useful for discrimination.

Pitfalls

Do not confuse short u /ʌ/ with long u-e /juː/ or /ʊ/ as in put.