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Hear and practise the difference between the English TH sound in “there” and the D sound in “dare,” with tongue-position demonstrations and a listening challenge.
Vanessa teaches English learners to distinguish the voiced TH sound in “there” from the D sound in “dare.” She focuses on both listening and articulation: learners watch her mouth, notice where the tongue is, and repeat short examples. The lesson is useful for speakers whose first language does not use the English TH sound in the same way, but the practice is framed around specific words and sentences rather than a general accent judgment.
The first example is “there”: “Over there. We are going there tomorrow.” Vanessa draws attention to the tongue coming forward so that it is visible between the teeth. It does not need to stick out far; even a small visible movement distinguishes this TH from D. She then contrasts “there” with “dare,” a noun for a challenge to do something risky. When she says dare, the tongue stays inside the mouth behind the teeth. Her shorthand for remembering the difference is physical: TH moves forward; D stays in.
Vanessa gives a practice sentence with D: “I will do the dare tomorrow.” Learners repeat it while keeping the tongue inside the mouth, then switch back to “We are going there tomorrow” and bring the tongue forward. The contrast makes the sounds easier to notice because the two words are short and differ at the beginning. She also uses “muscle memory” to describe building a reliable movement through repetition. That phrase is useful for discussing any practiced physical skill, not only pronunciation.
In the second listening challenge, learners identify the first sound in “That’s my favorite movie too.” Vanessa asks viewers to listen to the sentence at natural speed and again more slowly, then decide whether the target word begins with TH or D. The answer is “that,” spelled T-H-A-T, and the tongue again comes forward slightly. The activity links sound recognition, mouth movement, and spelling instead of asking learners to rely on one cue alone.
Practise by saying “there,” “dare,” and both example sentences aloud. Record yourself if that is useful, compare the tongue position, and repeat at a comfortable pace. The goal is clearer control of this contrast so a listener can distinguish a place or direction from a challenge, while keeping speech natural and relaxed.
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Introducing the TH and D contrast
Hi, I'm Vanessa from Speak English with Vanessa.com. What's the difference? Let's talk about it. When my English students try to use , they sometimes use instead. In this lesson, I'll help you hear the contrast and practise each sound. Let's start with the word there.
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Introducing the TH and D contrast · expression
The voiced English sound at the start of “there,” made with the tongue near or lightly between the teeth.
Tone and use: Pronunciation terminology used in an instructional context. Use the phrase when discussing or practising this English consonant.
May not fit: Other languages label or pronounce this sound differently; focus on the English example here.
Example“The TH sound begins the word “there.””
Introducing the TH and D contrast · expression
The consonant Vanessa contrasts with TH; the tongue remains inside the mouth behind the teeth.
Tone and use: Neutral pronunciation terminology. Use it to name the sound at the start of “dare.”
May not fit: The lesson focuses on this specific voiced contrast, not every possible D pronunciation.
Example“The D sound begins “dare.””
Placing the tongue for the voiced TH in there · expression
In the space between the upper and lower teeth, where the tongue is visible for the demonstrated TH.
Tone and use: Literal, physical description. Use it when explaining tongue placement for this sound.
May not fit: The tongue only needs to show slightly; do not force it out.
Example“For this sound, the tongue comes forward between my teeth.”
Placing the tongue for the voiced TH in there · expression
A word referring to a place away from the speaker or a destination.
Tone and use: Common everyday word; here it demonstrates the TH sound. Use it for a location, as in “over there” or “go there.”
May not fit: Do not substitute “dare” when you mean a location.
Example“We are going there tomorrow.”
Contrasting there with dare · expression
A challenge to do something, often something risky or difficult.
Tone and use: Informal noun. Use it for a challenge someone gives another person.
May not fit: A dare is not simply any ordinary plan or request.
Example“I will do the dare tomorrow.”
Contrasting there with dare · expression
The most important point that distinguishes two things.
Tone and use: Neutral explanatory phrase. Use it to summarize the main contrast between two sounds or ideas.
May not fit: Use it for one central distinction, not a list of unrelated differences.
Example“The key difference is where the tongue sits.”
Feeling the D sound and practising a sentence · expression
An imaginary ability to see through objects such as the body or a wall.
Tone and use: Playful expression; not literal in this context. Use it jokingly when something is hidden from view.
May not fit: It refers to a fictional ability, not a real way to inspect articulation.
Example“Unless you have X-ray vision, you can’t see the tongue behind my teeth.”
Feeling the D sound and practising a sentence · expression
A complete sentence saying that the speaker plans to accept a challenge the next day.
Tone and use: Neutral example sentence; “will” marks a future action. Repeat it to practise the D sound in “dare.”
May not fit: The expression is a pronunciation example; do not accept a risky challenge without considering safety.
Example“I will do the dare tomorrow.”
Building sound awareness and a spelling challenge · expression
A movement that becomes easier and more automatic through repeated practice.
Tone and use: Common phrase for learned physical routines. Use it for a practised movement, such as tongue placement or a sport skill.
May not fit: It does not mean muscles literally store thoughts or facts.
Example“Repetition helps build muscle memory for the TH sound.”
Listening for the TH sound in a movie sentence · expression
Check how well you can identify what you hear.
Tone and use: Encouraging instructional phrase. Use it for a listening exercise or sound-recognition challenge.
May not fit: It describes a practice activity, not a formal exam unless one is specified.
Example“Listen once and test your listening skills before checking the answer.”
Listening for the TH sound in a movie sentence · expression
A friendly reply saying you also like the movie someone has just mentioned.
Tone and use: Casual agreement in conversation. Use it when someone names a movie you also enjoy.
May not fit: In the lesson, the first word is also a TH pronunciation example.
Example““I love that movie.” “That’s my favorite movie too.””
Checking and repeating the target sound · expression
Copying the way the speaker produces the sounds.
Tone and use: Neutral learning instruction. Use it when repeating a model to practise pronunciation.
May not fit: Copy the sound comfortably; do not strain your tongue or jaw.
Example“Try imitating my pronunciation of “that.””
Knowledge check
What it means · “between my teeth”