English pronunciation: Diphthongs - /əʊ/

Sample pronunciation audio

Start with one sample audio file for diphthongs - /əʊ/.

Quick tip

Diphthongs glide from one vowel position to another in a single syllable.

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• go

• no

• so

• home

• open

Minimal pairs

• go / got
• no / now
• so / saw
• hope / hop
• home / hum

How to produce this sound

Start with a relaxed 'uh' sound, then round your lips and move to a long 'oh'. It's a smooth glide, as in 'go'.

Common mix-ups

• go / got
• no / now
• so / saw
• home / hum
• hope / hop

Closest comparison

go, no, so, home, open