Why does work sound like werrrk when it’s spelled with an o? In this episode, we unpack one of the most confusing features of British pronunciation: the /ɜː/ sound. With clear explanations, grouped practice words, minimal pairs, and tongue twisters, this lesson will help you stop trusting the spelling and start trusting the R. Practice Transcript: Spelled with 'e': her, term, serve, early, person, learn With 'o': work, word, world, worth, worse, worm, worst, worthwhile, attorney With 'i': bird, first, girl, shirt With 'u': nurse, turn, burn, church Practice 2: her, bird, nurse, work term, girl, turn, word serve, first, burn, world early, shirt, church, worth person, bird, nurse, worse learn, girl, turn, worm person, girl, nurse, word Minimal pairs: Word - ward, work - walk, world - wall, worse - wars, worth - north, worm - warn Tongue Twisters: I like to walk to work in warm weather. The worm on the war ship worships workplaces The early bird turns and learns to work. Were the worst words worth the work? If you found this episode interesting, follow this podcast for more tips. And if you would like to work on your accent one on one book a lesson with me on italki. https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/9446274