Lesson 18:

P and B sounds
p:(cup, punch, pull)
b:(cub, bunch, bull)

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The P and B sounds are often studied as a pair because both sounds are produced in the front of the mouth with the tongue in the same place. The only difference is that the B sound is voiced and the P sound is voiceless. What does that mean? Read on to find out.

The voiced B sound (IPA symbol: b) can be found in English words such as bring, bubble, boy, lab, rob, and bicycle.

Description: Description: b sound


The voiceless P sound can be found in English words such as jump, pop, top, puppy, purple, tip, and pray.

Description: Description: p sound

The P and B sounds should be studied together. They are produced in the same part of the mouth (the front) with the tongue in the same place. The only difference is that the P sound is a voiceless sound and the B sound is a voiced sound.

In the English language, we use many voiced sounds. That means that the vocal cords vibrate when you say that letter. You can hear a voiced B sound in words such as "back" and "cab."

The letter P is a voiceless sound because the vocal cords do not vibrate. Instead, we use a puff of air to produce the sound. You can hear the P sound in words such as "pack" and "cap."

Practice the voiced B sound

Practice the voiced B sound by saying these words. Hold a piece of paper or your hand in front of your mouth to make sure you are voicing the consonant and not using a puff of air.


Now practice the voiceless P sound

Use a piece of paper to practice the voiceless P sound. When you say this sound, you should release a puff of air from your mouth that moves the paper. Your vocal cords should not vibrate.

Finally, practice the sounds side-by-side

Remember to voice the B sound and use a puff of air for the P sound!

B

P

cub

cup

back

pack

bit

pit

bubble

purple

lobby

happy



Now say these sentences out loud.

The P sounds are in blue. The B sounds are in green:

1) The big puppbarks.

2) The boy was happy.

3) Ride your bicycle to the top.

4) Bob should stop at the library.

5) We ate purple blueberry pie.

Have you finished them all? Great job! 

Well done! You have completed the P and B sound lesson.

Let's move on...