The following words have a silent “r” in the unstressed syllable. This means that the vowel before is not lengthened.
6
sister water /ˈsɪstə/
/ˈwɔːtə/
sugar actor /ˈʃʊgə/
/ˈaktə/
colour picture litre4 /ˈkʌlə/
/ˈpɪkʧə/ /’liːtə/
The following words have two silent “r” letters. Notice how the vowel in the first syllable is longer because it is in the stressed syllable.
7 partner caretaker weirder order /ˈpɑːtnə/ /ˈkɛːteɪkə/
/ˈwɪədə/ /ˈɔːdə/
further /ˈfəːðə/
When you can pronounce the words above, start practising the phrases below and the sentences on the next page. After the sentences, there is some more detailed information on not pronouncing “r”.
Whenever you are ready, you can move to Lesson 6 Remember you can always come back
to this worksheet to practise at any time. If you want more help with practising, then go to the How to Practise Guide
Phrases None of the “r” letters are pronounced in the following phrases:
1 car park /kɑː pɑːk/ 2 Claire stared /klɛː stɛːd/ 3 pierced ears /pɪəst ɪəz/ 4 short course /ʃɔːt kɔːs/ 5 further learning /fəːðə ləːnɪŋ/ 6 forty-four percent /ˈfɔːti ˈfɔː pəˈsɛnt/
Now go to the sentences on the next page
4 Are you wondering why we don’t pronounce “r” when the “e” is pronounced? Take a look at the exceptions to the rule on the final page of this worksheet.
