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Vanessa contrasts the English F and V sounds using words such as “vase” and “face.” They use a similar mouth position, but V is voiced and F is unvoiced. For V, the vocal cords vibrate; for F, air passes without that same vibration. This difference can be subtle, so the lesson suggests noticing the throat and airflow while practising.
“Break it down” means explain or practise something in smaller parts. “In the beginning of a word,” “in the middle of a word,” and “at the end of a word” describe the position where a sound appears. “Feel the air coming out” asks the learner to notice airflow from the mouth. “Use a piece of paper” describes a simple way to observe a puff of air; the paper may move when air passes it. “Write it down” means record an answer or observation in writing.
The lesson first focuses on V, then compares it with F, and finally combines the sounds in short sentences. The example “The vase has a face” places the two sounds in a memorable sentence. Learners can repeat the sentence slowly, feel whether the throat vibrates on V, and notice the airflow for F. The paper is an informal cue rather than a precise measurement.
These chunks are useful for describing both pronunciation and learning steps. “Break it down” also works beyond pronunciation: a teacher can break down a long task into smaller steps. The position phrases help explain where a sound occurs in a word. A learner can practise the same sound at the beginning, middle, and end to become familiar with it in different settings.
For practice, say “vase” and “face” slowly, then use them in the model sentence. Do not worry if the sounds are not perfect on the first attempt. Focus on one feature at a time—voicing, airflow, and then the whole sentence. After practising, write down which sound feels easier and which one needs another try.
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Introduces F and V with example words and a model sentence.
hi I'm Vanessa from speak englishwith vanessa comom vase face van fan help let's talk about it today we're going to be talking about two similar sounds that a lot of my English Learners have difficulties with it is V and F the vase has a face the van has a fan oh can you say those
Try it: Say “vase” and “face,” then notice the vibration in V and airflow in F.
Phrase cheat sheet
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Introduces F and V with example words and a model sentence. · expression
Explain or practise something by dividing it into smaller parts.
Tone and use: Common phrasal expression. Use it when simplifying a complex topic or skill.
May not fit: It is figurative in this lesson, not physically breaking an object.
Example“Let’s break it down and practise one sound at a time.”
Practises V in the beginning, middle, and end of words. · expression
At the first position within a word.
Tone and use: Instructional phrase. Use it to describe where a sound or letter occurs.
May not fit: “At the beginning of a word” is a more concise alternative.
Example“Listen for V in the beginning of a word.”
Practises V in the beginning, middle, and end of words. · expression
The central position within a word.
Tone and use: Common instructional phrase. Use it when locating a sound between the beginning and end.
May not fit: A word can have more than one middle sound.
Example“The V sound can appear in the middle of a word.”
Practises V in the beginning, middle, and end of words. · expression
The final position within a word.
Tone and use: Common instructional phrase. Use it when describing a final sound or letter.
May not fit: Spelling and pronunciation may differ at the word ending.
Example“Listen for the F sound at the end of a word.”
Explains F airflow and uses a paper cue. · expression
Notice airflow moving outward from the mouth.
Tone and use: Pronunciation instruction. Use it when checking the unvoiced F sound.
May not fit: Airflow may be light; do not force it.
Example“Feel the air coming out as you say “face.””
Explains F airflow and uses a paper cue. · expression
Record information or an answer in writing.
Tone and use: Common phrasal verb. Use it when noting a response or observation.
May not fit: With the pronoun “it,” place it between “write” and “down.”
Example“Write it down and compare your answer with the example.”
Knowledge check
What it means · “break it down”