Minimal Pair /ð/ and /z/
as in with and whizz
Below is a list of words that vary only by one having the sound /ð/ and the other the sound /z/.
You can use this list to practise the sounds, or as a list of words to be careful in pronouncing.
/ð/ is similar to the sound /θ/ in "thing" and so is also pronounced with your tongue touching or between your teeth. It can be useful to practise by sticking your tongue right out of your mouth. You can check if you are doing so with a mirror or by putting a finger in front of your lips that should get moist each time. /ð/ in "that" uses your voice, which is why it is sometimes confused with the voiced sound /z/.
/z/ is pronounced with the mouth in the same position as with /s/, but using the vocal cords. The tongue is well inside the mouth, and it can also help to spread the lips thin and wide to make the sound unlike /ð/.
/z/ is pronounced with the mouth in the same position as with /s/, but using the vocal cords. The tongue is well inside the mouth, and it can also help to spread the lips thin and wide to make the sound unlike /ð/.
Elementary
with whizz
Pre-Intermediate
then Zen
Intermediate
clothe close
clothing closing
sheathe she's
teethe Ts
teethe teas
teething teasing
Upper-Intermediate
bathe bays
breathe breeze
lithe lies
loathe lows
scythe size
seethe Cs
seethe seas
Advanced
bathe baize
lathe laze
scythe sighs
soothe sues
tithe ties