Grammar Tip: 

Most "wh-" question words in English begin with /w/:

 

• When
• Where
• Why
• Which

However, a few "wh-" question words begin with /h/:

 

• Who
• Whose
• How

 

 

/w/.../v/.../w../v/.../w/.../v/...

Both /v/ and /w/ are voiced consonants that involve lip movement. However, /v/ is a voiced labiodental consonant, and /w/ is a bilabial glide. When you pronounce /w/, your lips should form a circle and move to an open position, without touching your teeth. However, when you pronounce /v/, your upper lip should rub against your lower teeth.

 

1. A. wet, B. vet
2. A. went, B. vent
3. A. wine, B. vine
4. A. west, B. vest
5. A. wheel, B. veal
6. A. wary, B. very

 

 

 

/w/.../b/.../w/.../b/.../w/.../b/...

These are both voiced bilabial consonants. However, /w/ is a glide and /b/ is a stop. When you pronounce /w/, your lips should not touch each other and the air in your mouth should not stop.

 

1. A. wed, B. bed
2. A. white, B. bite
3. A. what, B. but
4. A. await, B. abate
5. A. rewind, B. rebind
6. A. wobble, B. bauble

 

1. weather - will - wet
The weather will be very wet tomorrow.
2. what - want - watch
What do you want to watch this evening?
3. working - whisper - quietly
Other people are working, so please whisper quietly.
4. quick - walk - between
I often take a quick walk between classes.
5. sweater - will - warm - winter
A sweater will keep you warm in winter.
6. were - aware - requirements
Were you aware of the requirements?