None of the “r” letters are pronounced in the following sentences. Each sentence targets a specific vowel sound + silent “r” (the vowel is shown in its IPA symbol after the number). Practise reading the sentences.
1 /ɑː/ Mark and Charles started taking charge of setting the larger targets in March. 2 /ɛː/ Somewhere there’s a spare chair that the millionaire said it was fair to share. 3 /ɪə/ This year we’re going to steer clear from beer because I hear that it severely impacts your health. 4 /ɔː/ This morning the supporter wore some informal sports shorts at the tennis court. 5 /əː/ On Thursday I walked to work for the first time in under thirty minutes and I was early! 6 /ə/ Having entered my apartment on Saturday, the burglar stole my particularly modern computer.
Mixed Sentences
In the following sentences, some of the “r” letters are pronounced as /r/ and some are not pronounced. If you want to check which “r” letters are not pronounced, then click the answers below. Practise reading the sentences.
1 2 I remember having read the report on the perfect printer. I’m pretty sure that the reporter put in the effort to prepare for the test.
3 Richard says the firm’s profile on the internet is really important. 4
5 6
Christopher just received a research grant from Oxford University. Margaret forgot to reserve a table at the restaurant for Thursday. Property prices increase at a remarkably surprising rate every year. Answers
Further Practice
1) Find common words that you use every day in your social life/at work with silent “r” letters and practise them.
2) Read “A Perfect Match” again. Listen to the audio and notice how the native speaker does not pronounce /r/ when there is no vowel afterwards.
Either continue reading about not pronouncing “r” on the next page or continue to Lesson 6