The H and comparing HOME vs. WHOM | American English

TL;DR

Learn how to pronounce the difference between "home" and "whom", focusing on the "h" sound and the middle vowel sound in each word.

Transcript

Hey, guys, it's Hadar, and this is The Accent's Way. Your way to finding clarity, confidence and freedom in English. Saeed asked me to explain how to pronounce the difference between the two words: 'home' and 'whom'. So, to explain that, I first want to discuss the 'h' sound - hhh - as in 'Hi'. A lot of people drop the 'h' sound at the beginning of... Read More

Key Insights

• 👂 Correctly pronouncing the "h" sound involves starting with a whisper-like sound before using your voice.
• 👂 The "home" and "whom" words both start and end with the same sounds, but their middle vowel sounds differ.
• 👂 The middle vowel sound in "home" is a diphthong, transitioning from an open "o" sound to a closing "u" sound.
• 👂 The middle vowel sound in "whom" is a straight "u" sound, similar to the sound in the word "food."
• 😃 Visualizing a little "w" before the final "m" sound can aid in the correct pronunciation of both words.
• 🔑 Practicing the pronunciation of these words can improve clarity, confidence, and freedom in spoken English.
• 👂 Correct pronunciation can be achieved by understanding the vocal movements and sounds associated with each word.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I correctly pronounce the "h" sound?

To pronounce the "h" sound, think of it as a whisper, starting with a slow exhale of air before using your voice. It's like warming up your hands on a cold winter day, where you produce the "h-h" sound.

Q: What is the difference in pronunciation between "home" and "whom"?

The main difference lies in the middle vowel sound. In "home," the middle sound is a diphthong that starts with an open "o" sound and closes to a "u" sound. In "whom," the middle sound is a straight "u" sound, like in the word "food."

Q: How can I visualize the correct pronunciation of "home"?

Imagine a little "w" right before the final "m" sound in "home." This will help you visualize the transition from the open "o" sound to the closing "u" sound.

Q: How should I pronounce the word "whom"?

Start with your jaw closed and pronounce the straight "u" sound, similar to the "food" sound. Visualize a little "w" before the final "m" sound for added clarity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video discusses the correct pronunciation of the "h" sound, emphasizing the need to start with a whisper-like sound before using your voice.

• It explains that both "home" and "whom" start and end with the same sounds but have different middle vowel sounds.

• For "home," the middle vowel sound is a diphthong that starts with an open "o" sound and then closes to a "u" sound.

• For "whom," the middle vowel sound is a straight "u" sound, like in the word "food."