i and i: - Problems and solutions

These are the sounds you hear in the words 'hit' and 'heat'.

For both sounds, the tongue is high in the mouth. It's higher for the i: sound than for the i sound. If you go from i: to i you'll feel your tongue dropping a bit on the i. You might even find the side of your tongue touching your top back teeth with the i:

But the biggest difference is the position of the lips. With i your lips are relaxed. But with i: they're wide, like you're smiling.

Minimal pairs practice

Often the problem is when you say i: when you should say i. Remember that the i sound is quite a small, short sound, while i: is a longer sound.

Try these minimal pairs:

hit / heat

bit / beat

whip / weep

tin / teen

chip / cheap

Spelling and sound

You'll find the i sound written in different spellings as well. For example:

hip / women / busy / mountain / village / synonym

The i: sound is also written in different spellings. For example:

beat / sheet / people / relieve / shield / happy

Practice Phrases

Say these phrases and sentences. The i sound is in bold, while the i: sound is underlined.

a hit man

his and hers

It isn't difficult

It isn't a big deal.

It's a big opportunity.

He's a wheeler and dealer.

Don't make a meal out of it.

a piece of information

the Middle East

bits and pieces

Lets agree to disagree.

A really big disagreement.

As happy as Larry.

A legal eagle.

Check your pronunciation!

You can check your pronunciation of the practice phrases by watching the video at the top of this page.

Then go on to the practice session below, where you can record your answers and send them to me for feedback.

How would you say these phrases?

I miss you.

We live here.

Meet me in an hour.

in a minute

as fit as a fiddle

Record your answers on your phone and email to [email protected]