English pronunciation: Diphthongs - /ʊə/

Sample pronunciation audio

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

Quick tip

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

Letters and IPA

Practice words

• cure

• pure

• sure

• tour

• secure

Minimal pairs

• cure / core
• pure / poor
• sure / shore
• tour / tore
• secure / sewer

How to produce this sound

Start with the vowel sound in 'put' (/ʊ/), then move your tongue slightly forward and finish with a relaxed 'uh' (/ə/) sound. Try to blend them smoothly.

Common mix-ups

• cure / core
• pure / poor
• sure / shore
• tour / tore
• secure / sewer

Closest comparison

cure, pure, sure, tour, secure