7 Common Pronunciation Mistakes in English (and How to Fix Them)
Clear pronunciation makes your English sound confident and easy to understand. However, many learners repeat sounds from their mother tongue, which creates confusion. For instance, think is often pronounced as tink, or very becomes ferry. Small differences like these can completely change the meaning of what you say.
To fix this, start with minimal pairs — words that differ by just one sound, such as ship/sheep, fan/van, and cat/cut. Listen closely and repeat each pair slowly until your ears and tongue can feel the difference. Practice using mirrors to check your mouth and tongue position.
Technology can also help: apps like Elsa Speak or YouGlish provide instant feedback on your pronunciation. Combine these tools with consistent listening to native content, and you’ll begin to notice your accent improving naturally.