Minimal pair examples with IPA
Here are some classic English minimal pairs with IPA transcription and simple example sentences. These are not the exact sentences from the trainer, but they show the type of contrasts you will practise.
Vowel length: /ɪ/ vs. /iː/
| Pair | IPA | Example sentences |
|---|---|---|
| ship – sheep | /ʃɪp/ – /ʃiːp/ |
The ship is leaving the harbour. The sheep is eating the grass. |
| bit – beat | /bɪt/ – /biːt/ |
He bit the apple. They beat the record. |
/æ/ vs. /ʌ/
| Pair | IPA | Example sentences |
|---|---|---|
| cap – cup | /kæp/ – /kʌp/ |
She put on a red cap. He drank a cup of tea. |
| bat – but | /bæt/ – /bʌt/ |
He hit the ball with a bat. She wanted to go, but she was tired. |
/b/ vs. /v/
| Pair | IPA | Example sentences |
|---|---|---|
| berry – very | /ˈberi/ – /ˈveri/ |
The berry is sweet. That is very sweet. |
| ban – van | /bæn/ – /væn/ |
They plan to ban the product. The van is parked outside. |
/ʧ/ vs. /ʃ/
| Pair | IPA | Example sentences |
|---|---|---|
| cheap – sheep | /ʧiːp/ – /ʃiːp/ |
The shoes were very cheap. The sheep are on the hill. |
| chip – ship | /ʧɪp/ – /ʃɪp/ |
He ate another chip. The ship arrived late. |
In the trainer, you will hear this kind of contrast inside full sentences, at natural speed, with smart repetition to help you build lasting listening skills.