Vowel #14
/Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #14 in American English: /au/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
sharing the life stories of immigrants, expatriates, and refugees to the United States
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #14 in American English: /au/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #13 in American English: /ai/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #12 in American English: /ɚ/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #11 in American English: /u/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #10 in American English: /ʊ/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #9 in American English: /ou/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #8 in American English: / ɔ /. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #7 in American English: /ʌ/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #6 in American English: /a/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #5 in American English: /æ/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #4 in American English: /Ɛ/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #3 in American English: /ei/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #2 in American English: /I/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #1 in American English: /i/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Do you HAVE a hat or WEAR a hat? What about a tattoo? What about dreadlocks? English grammar has a simple rule to answer these questions. Click here now!
Alan looks at a short email between two Americans and dissects the informal language that they use.
Informal Expressions and Their Meanings
shoot you an email = email you (quickly, casually, no big deal)
grabbing lunch = having lunch (not a big commitment)
reach out = connect, contact, communicate (informal)
on your radar = planned, in your plans, in your awareness
swing by = come, visit, stop (for a brief, informal visit)
no pressure = I don’t want to obligate you if this isn’t desirable.
a fit = convenient to your needs or plans
circle back with you = re-contact you
Paraphrasing with a Little Shortening
Last week, I emailed you about having lunch tomorrow. I know you are busy, but I thought I would check to see if lunch was still planned. I am still available tomorrow if lunch isn’t possible. Tom and I will be downtown at a Morgan Stanley meeting today, and if you are free, I could come after lunch to see your new office. No pressure either way if it isn't good for you, but I thought I would re-contact you about this. (86 words, 14% reduction)
Advanced English pronunciation tip: Alan gives nine examples of when native speakers don't pronounce "h" in their speech. A recommendation for sounding less like a robot, more like a native speaker.
Did you know there are three ways to pronounce "h" in American English?
Once you've understood the individual sounds of English (consonants and vowels), it's time to focus on the music of English pronunciation. Alan gives an introduction to English rhythms with this lesson on word stress.
Writers and editors agree to disagree on this: whether the serial comma (also called the Oxford comma) is good for English writing. You can decide for yourself here. If you have examples to share with us, we're all ears!
Feel Like You Belong is a sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always “touch-your-heart” real conversation about fitting into the American culture. It introduces guests who have made the immigrant journey to the United States. The stories–of both struggle and success–will help newcomers feel more confident in sharing their opinions and expertise, more likely to want to stay in the U.S., be more productive in their jobs, and fully invest in their communities.