AUDIO KEY: Manchester (bold) In many areas of England, particularly in big cities like Manchester, some speakers don’t pronounce < th > words with /θ,ð/, instead they use /f,v/: THANKS, THEATRE, BROTHER. So the word THREE is pronounced in the same way as FREE....

TH Fronting

AUDIO KEY: Manchester (bold)
In many areas of England, particularly in big cities like Manchester, some speakers don’t pronounce < th > words with /θ,ð/, instead they use /f,v/: THANKS, THEATRE, BROTHER.
So the word THREE is pronounced in the same way as FREE. This is known as ‘th fronting’ because the sound is made further to the front of the mouth.

– Listen and decide if the sentences contain dental (θ, ð) or front (f,v) TH sounds:
1. I think so. /θ,ð/ /f,v/
2. That’s pathetic. /θ,ð/ /f,v/
3. Think nothing of it. /θ,ð/ /f,v/
4. It’s further than I thought. /θ,ð/ /f,v/
5. This is the seventh time. /θ,ð/ /f,v/
6. Thanks, that’s so thoughtful! /θ,ð/ /f,v/
7. They’re really thirsty. /θ,ð/ /f,v/
8. The thing is, he’s my brother! /θ,ð/ /f,v/

Answers & Audio
1. women
2. once
3. again
4. business
5. says
6. does
7. friend
8. built
9. flood
10. sausage

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