Mastering the /wh/ Sound in English: Words, Sentences, and Fun Exercises

The /wh/ sound in English language and uses often challenges both learners and teachers. This sound appears in many common words and plays a key role in everyday communication. Understanding how to pronounce it clearly can improve speaking skills and listening comprehension. This post explores the /wh/ sound, provides useful words and sentences, and offers engaging exercises and homework ideas for teachers and students.

A white whale swimming near the ocean surface

What Is the /wh/ Sound?

The /wh/ sound is a voiceless labiovelar fricative, which means it is produced by blowing air through rounded lips without using the vocal cords. In many English dialects, it sounds like a breathy "hw" before a vowel. This sound is different from the /w/ sound, which is voiced and uses vocal cord vibration.

For example, the word "whale" starts with the /wh/ sound, while "wail" starts with the /w/ sound. Although many speakers pronounce these the same today, distinguishing them helps with clarity and understanding.

Common Words with the /wh/ Sound

Here are some frequently used words that begin with the /wh/ sound:

• who

• what

• when

• which

• where

• whose

• while

• whale

• wheat

• wheel

• whisper

• whistle

• white

• whip

  
  

These words appear in questions, descriptions, and everyday conversations. Teaching students to recognize and pronounce these words correctly builds confidence and fluency.

Using the /wh/ Sound in Sentences

Practicing sentences helps learners hear and produce the /wh/ sound naturally. Here are some examples:

• Who is coming to the party tonight?

• What did you say about the white whale?

• When will the wheat be ready to harvest?

• Which wheel needs to be fixed?

• Where did you hear that whistle?

• Whose whisper was that in the hallway?

• I saw a whale swimming near the shore.

• The wheel of the car is spinning fast.

• She gave a soft whisper during the movie.

• The referee blew the whistle to start the game.

• The white horse ran across the field.

• He cracked the whip to start the race.

  
  

Encourage students to repeat these sentences aloud, focusing on the initial /wh/ sound. This practice improves pronunciation and listening skills.

A wooden wheel attached to a rustic cart outdoors

Fun Exercises to Practice the /wh/ Sound

Engaging activities help students internalize the /wh/ sound. Here are some ideas:

• Word Sorting

Prepare cards with /wh/ words and similar /w/ words (e.g., whale vs. wail). Have students sort them into two groups based on pronunciation.

• Sentence Repetition

Read sentences containing /wh/ words aloud. Students repeat, focusing on the breathy /wh/ sound.

• Wh-Question Game

Ask questions starting with who, what, when, where, which, and whose. Students answer using full sentences, practicing both comprehension and pronunciation.

• Tongue Twisters

Use phrases like:

“Whispering whales whistle while wheeling wheat.”

This challenges students to pronounce the /wh/ sound clearly and quickly.

• Listening Practice

Play recordings of minimal pairs (words that differ only by /wh/ and /w/ sounds) and ask students to identify which word they hear.

Homework Ideas for Reinforcement

Assigning homework helps students practice outside the classroom. Here are some suggestions:

• Write Sentences

Students write five sentences using different /wh/ words. Encourage creativity and clarity.

• Record and Listen

Students record themselves reading a list of /wh/ words and sentences, then listen to check their pronunciation.

• Find /wh/ Words

Ask students to find and list /wh/ words from books, articles, or conversations they encounter during the week.

• Create a Story

Write a short story using at least ten /wh/ words. This encourages vocabulary use and sentence construction.

• Practice with a Partner

Pair students to ask and answer wh-questions, focusing on clear pronunciation.

A child whispering to a teacher during a classroom activity

Tips for Teachers to Support Students

• Model the /wh/ sound clearly and slowly.

• Use visual aids like mouth diagrams to show lip rounding and breath flow.

• Provide plenty of repetition and positive feedback.

• Encourage students to feel the breath on their hand when pronouncing /wh/.

• Use multimedia resources such as videos and audio clips for varied exposure.

• Be patient with learners who confuse /wh/ and /w/ sounds, as this is common.