500 Words: V And W Sounds

1. You can leave off the V sound when it is at the end, such as in "above."

True

False

The statement suggests that the "V" sound can be omitted when it is at the end of a word, like in "above." However, this is not true. The "V" sound cannot be left off at the end of a word, as it is a distinct sound in the English language. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Explanation

The statement suggests that the "V" sound can be omitted when it is at the end of a word, like in "above." However, this is not true. The "V" sound cannot be left off at the end of a word, as it is a distinct sound in the English language. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

2. The W sounds in "answer" and "always" are different.

True

False

The statement is true because the W sounds in "answer" and "always" are indeed different. In "answer," the W sound is pronounced as a voiced labio-velar approximant, while in "always," the W sound is pronounced as a voiced labio-dental approximant. These two sounds may appear similar, but they are produced differently in terms of the placement of the lips and the position of the tongue. Therefore, the W sounds in "answer" and "always" are distinct from each other.

Explanation

The statement is true because the W sounds in "answer" and "always" are indeed different. In "answer," the W sound is pronounced as a voiced labio-velar approximant, while in "always," the W sound is pronounced as a voiced labio-dental approximant. These two sounds may appear similar, but they are produced differently in terms of the placement of the lips and the position of the tongue. Therefore, the W sounds in "answer" and "always" are distinct from each other.

3. The "ow" spelling is sometimes a double vowel (or diphthong), as in "down," and sometimes a silent W, as in "snow."

True

False

The statement is true because the "ow" spelling can represent two different sounds in English. In some words, like "down," the "ow" is pronounced as a diphthong, which means it is a combination of two vowel sounds. In other words, like "snow," the "ow" is silent and the "w" is not pronounced. Therefore, the "ow" spelling can have different pronunciations depending on the word.

Explanation

The statement is true because the "ow" spelling can represent two different sounds in English. In some words, like "down," the "ow" is pronounced as a diphthong, which means it is a combination of two vowel sounds. In other words, like "snow," the "ow" is silent and the "w" is not pronounced. Therefore, the "ow" spelling can have different pronunciations depending on the word.

4. A V sound is made on the lips and a W sound vibrates.

True

False

The statement is false because a V sound is actually made by vibrating the vocal cords while the lips are partially closed. On the other hand, a W sound is made by rounding the lips and vibrating the vocal cords simultaneously. Therefore, the statement incorrectly states that a W sound vibrates, when in fact it is the vocal cords that vibrate to produce both the V and W sounds.

Explanation

The statement is false because a V sound is actually made by vibrating the vocal cords while the lips are partially closed. On the other hand, a W sound is made by rounding the lips and vibrating the vocal cords simultaneously. Therefore, the statement incorrectly states that a W sound vibrates, when in fact it is the vocal cords that vibrate to produce both the V and W sounds.

5. Making a V sound in the middle of words, such as "develop," is difficult for many people.

True

False

Many people find it challenging to produce a V sound in the middle of words, like "develop." This is because the V sound requires the vocal cords to partially close, creating friction. In the middle of words, it can be harder to coordinate the airflow and vocal cord movement necessary for this sound. Therefore, it is true that making a V sound in the middle of words is difficult for many people.

Explanation

Many people find it challenging to produce a V sound in the middle of words, like "develop." This is because the V sound requires the vocal cords to partially close, creating friction. In the middle of words, it can be harder to coordinate the airflow and vocal cord movement necessary for this sound. Therefore, it is true that making a V sound in the middle of words is difficult for many people.

6. Sometimes a W spelling makes a V sound and a V spelling makes a W sound.

True

False

In English language, the letter "W" always makes a "W" sound, while the letter "V" always makes a "V" sound. Therefore, the statement that sometimes a "W" spelling makes a "V" sound and a "V" spelling makes a "W" sound is incorrect. Hence, the correct answer is False.

Explanation

In English language, the letter "W" always makes a "W" sound, while the letter "V" always makes a "V" sound. Therefore, the statement that sometimes a "W" spelling makes a "V" sound and a "V" spelling makes a "W" sound is incorrect. Hence, the correct answer is False.

7. When you say, "draw," pronounce a very slight W at the end.

True

False

The given statement suggests that when you say the word "draw," you should pronounce a very slight W at the end. However, the correct answer is False. This means that the statement is incorrect and you should not pronounce a slight W at the end of the word "draw."

Explanation

The given statement suggests that when you say the word "draw," you should pronounce a very slight W at the end. However, the correct answer is False. This means that the statement is incorrect and you should not pronounce a slight W at the end of the word "draw."

8. You should always move your lips in a wide outward motion to make a W sound.

True

False

Moving your lips in a wide outward motion is not necessary to make a W sound. The correct way to make a W sound is by rounding your lips and bringing them close together, without necessarily moving them in a wide outward motion. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation

Moving your lips in a wide outward motion is not necessary to make a W sound. The correct way to make a W sound is by rounding your lips and bringing them close together, without necessarily moving them in a wide outward motion. Therefore, the statement is false.

9. You have to pull your lower lip back tightly to make a V sound.

True

False

To make a V sound, you actually need to push your lower lip forward and touch your upper teeth with your lower lip. Pulling your lower lip back tightly would not produce the correct sound. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation

To make a V sound, you actually need to push your lower lip forward and touch your upper teeth with your lower lip. Pulling your lower lip back tightly would not produce the correct sound. Therefore, the statement is false.