Master the TH Sound in English: A Quick Guide for Professionals
Clear speech is essential for professionals who need to be understood the first time, whether you’re giving patient instructions, talking to colleagues, or communicating in the cockpit. One of the most common challenges for non-native English speakers is the TH sound.
In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step so you can pronounce both TH sounds confidently.
Why the TH Sound is Challenging
English has two TH sounds:
Voiceless TH (no voice) – as in think, three, thing, thank you
Voiced TH (with voice) – as in this, that, them
The TH sound is unusual because it requires your tongue to sit between your teeth while letting air flow over it. Many learners substitute it with S, T, Z, or D sounds, which can change the meaning of words or make speech harder to understand.
Step 1: Tongue Position
Step 2: Practice Both TH Sounds your tongue gently between your teeth
Make sure no part of your tongue touches the roof of your mouth
Relax your jaw and let air flow over the tongue
Common mistakes: If your TH sounds like S (sink), T (tank), Z (zis), or D (dis), your tongue is too high. Keep it down and forward.
Step 2: Practice Both TH Sounds
Voiceless TH (no voice)
think, three, thing, thank you
Voiced TH (with voice)
this, that, them
Tip: Start slowly, then practice at natural speed.
Step 3: Practice Sentence
Use this sentence to practice both sounds naturally:
“This is the thing that I’m thinking about.”
Record yourself or use a mirror to check tongue placement
Aim for 2 minutes of practice daily — small, consistent practice makes a big difference
Extra Tips for Professionals
Healthcare workers: Clear TH pronunciation can reduce miscommunication with patients and colleagues
Pilots: Being understood clearly over radio communications improves safety
Doctors and interviewees: Correct pronunciation projects confidence and credibility
Next Steps:
Want to improve your overall English pronunciation and accent clarity? Download my free guide with exercises for professionals:
📘 Free Guide to Clear English Pronunciation
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