Pronunciation and Spelling of /f/ and /v/ in English
النطق والتهجئة للصوتين /f/ و /v/ في اللغة الإنجليزية

Correct pronunciation is an essential part of learning English, especially for young ESL learners. Many students find it difficult to pronounce similar consonant sounds such as /f/ and /v/. In this lesson, students will learn how to pronounce, spell, and distinguish between these two important English sounds.

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Why Are /f/ and /v/ Difficult for Students?

The sounds /f/ and /v/ are produced in a similar way, using the teeth and the lower lip. However, one sound is voiceless and the other is voiced. This small difference can cause confusion for beginners.

Arabic explanation:
الصوتان /f/ و /v/ متشابهان في النطق، لكن أحدهما بدون اهتزاز صوتي والآخر مع اهتزاز.

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The /f/ Sound

The sound /f/ is a voiceless consonant. This means that the vocal cords do not vibrate when we pronounce it. To make this sound, place your upper teeth gently on your lower lip and blow air.

Examples:

• fan
• fish
• father
• leaf

Arabic help:
صوت /f/ يشبه حرف (ف) في اللغة العربية، وهو بدون اهتزاز في الحنجرة.

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The /v/ Sound

The sound /v/ is a voiced consonant. The mouth position is the same as /f/, but this time the vocal cords vibrate. You can feel the vibration by touching your throat while saying the sound.

Examples:

• van
• very
• visit
• live

Arabic help:
صوت /v/ ليس له مقابل مباشر في العربية، ويُنطق مع اهتزاز الصوت.

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Main Difference Between /f/ and /v/

• /f/ → voiceless (no vibration)
• /v/ → voiced (with vibration)

Both sounds use the same mouth position, but the voice makes the difference.

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Spelling and Sound Connection

In English, the letter F usually makes the sound /f/, and the letter V usually makes the sound /v/. Students should practice saying the sound while looking at the letter.

• F → /f/ → fish, farm, fast
• V → /v/ → van, visit, village

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Common Student Mistakes
أخطاء شائعة عند الطلاب

• ❌ bery instead of very
  الخلط بين /b/ و /v/
• ❌ fan instead of van
  عدم التمييز بين /f/ و /v/
• ❌ not using voice with /v/
  نسيان اهتزاز الصوت

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Practice for Students

Say and repeat:

• f – f – fish
• v – v – van

Choose the correct word:

• ___an (fan / van)
• ___ish (fish / vish)
• ___ery (fery / very)

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📌 Teacher Tip: How to Teach /f/ and /v/

Use a mirror so students can see their mouth position. Ask them to touch their throat to feel vibration for /v/. Start slowly, then practice faster with simple words.

📌 Teacher Tip: Classroom Activity

Say a word aloud and ask students to raise a card (F or V). This improves listening skills and sound recognition.

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Conclusion

Learning the difference between /f/ and /v/ helps students speak English more clearly and confidently. With regular practice, simple explanations, and teacher guidance, beginners can master these sounds successfully.