150 Go to /z/ Worksheet Go to /ð/ Worksheet /z/ “Zen” vs /ð/ “then” Comparison
Minimal pairs are words that sound the same apart from one sound. The only difference between Zen /zԑn/ and then /ðԑn/ is the initial consonant sound.
Comparison Words (minimal pairs in the order /z/ - /ð/) 1 zen – then 3 teas – teethe 5 lies – lithe 2 whizz – with 4 bays - bathe 7 sues – soothe 9 breezing - breathing 6 close – clothe 8 closing – clothing 10 rising – writhing
Words with /z/ and /ð/ these, those, there’s, Netherlands, otherwise
Sentences (minimal pairs – not necessarily in the order /z/ - /ð/)
1 Then he studied Zen Buddhism. 2 She was teasing him about his teething. 3 I loathe the fact that life has highs and lows. 4 Sue’s idea to soothe pain was to bathe in the bays. 5 The withered wizard enjoyed breathing in the fresh breeze. 6 I was seething with rage when they seized our booze from the booth.
