Rhotic R
Master the American R sound
What is the Rhotic R?
In American English, the /r/ sound is pronounced clearly wherever it appears in a word - at the beginning, middle, or end. This is called "rhoticity." Unlike British English (where the final R is often dropped, making "car" sound like "cah"), American English always pronounces it.
How to make the R sound
Curl the tip of your tongue back toward the roof of your mouth without touching it. Your lips should be slightly rounded and forward. The sound comes from the shape your tongue makes, not from vibration at the front.
Practice words
Final R is pronounced
R before K
R after a vowel cluster
R in both positions
Two R's, different positions
Initial R
Initial R before a diphthong
Medial R
Flapped medial R
Medial R in a stressed syllable
R in a compound word
R after a consonant cluster
R in an unstressed syllable
Three R's across syllables
Four R's - a real workout
Practice sentences
The red car is parked far from the store.
Write a report about the river runner.
Our rear-view mirror shows the red car.
Robert ran around the rough rock road.
Remember to read the right recipe for rice.