Shadowing Practice: The Schwa Sound: How to Pronounce the Schwa in Words and Sentences (The Complete Guide) - Learn English Speaking with Video
Creating lesson...
1
Hello and welcome back to Pronunciation with Emma, or welcome if you're brand new to my channel.
2
Today you're going to learn how to pronounce the schwa sound in English.
3
You're also going to look at the rules for the schwa, when to pronounce the schwa, and at the very end of this lesson I have a short story prepared for you
4
so you can help improve your English pronunciation and practice everything you've learned in this lesson.
5
If you'd like a summary of today's lesson featuring all the the story that we're going to practice today,
6
then you can get your hands on the free pdf version of the lesson notes.
7
The link to download it is in the description of this video.
8
And as everyone always asks me, yes the pdf is free.
9
It's all free.
10
Let's firstly talk about why the schwa is important for you to learn.
11
The schwa sound is the most common vowel sound in English, so it's one of pronounce the schwa.
12
It will help you sound more natural and fluid when you're speaking in English.
13
It will also help you to understand fast speech and native speakers much better.
14
So let's look at how to pronounce the schwa in English.
15
The schwa is a short, central and relaxed vowel sound.
16
You need to relax your whole mouth.
17
So no smiling, no raising your tongue, no doing anything.
18
Literally Just open your mouth a tiny little bit so the sound can leave your mouth.
19
And then you produce: uh So not e, not a, not o.
20
Super relaxed.
21
Let's practice the schwa at the start of words.
22
The first one we have is about about along along A girl.
23
ago.
24
around
25
around
26
so make sure that you're not pronouncing these with a strong vowel for example ah
27
and you're not saying about along ago around it's about a long ago.
28
It's very, very weak.
29
Now let's practice the schwa in the middle of words.
30
Support.
31
So not SUPPORT.
32
support supply supply chocolate chocolate.
33
I don't want to hear "chocolate" or "chocolate".
34
Chocolate.
35
Two syllables, okay?
36
And the second one is weak.
37
"Lut".
38
chocolate problem.
39
problem And now let's practice the schwa at the end of words.
40
Agenda agenda computer computer doctor doctor
41
extra extra So what do you notice about the position of the schwa sound in these words?
42
They're all in weak syllables.
43
The schwa is weak.
44
It only appears in unstressed syllables.
45
So you will never find a schwa in a stressed syllable.
46
For example, with the word 'about' "Bout" has the stress, so "uh" is weak, and in this case it uses the schwa.
47
about The same with agenda.
48
It's not agenda.
49
'er -gen -da'.
50
The stress is on the second syllable here.
51
and at the end are both weak, and here they use the schwa.
52
a gender.
53
Agenda Now not every unstressed weak syllable in English uses the schwa.
54
That's something to bear in mind but a lot of them do so also keep that in mind.
55
So we've looked at the schwa in word stress, now let's look at the schwa in sentence stress.
56
In English you have content words and function words.
57
Content words are the important words in your sentence.
58
They carry the content, they carry the strong form.
59
Function words on the other hand are the little unimportant grammatical words we use to construct the sentences,
60
so they don't really carry much meaning and much importance.
61
These are things like articles, conjunctions or prepositions.
62
Now because these words aren't so important, you'll find that they have a strong form of pronunciation and a weak form of pronunciation.
63
and to know more about which words are strong and weak and content and function words, I have a full video all about sentence stress.
64
I'll link it down below for you in the description.
65
You can go check it out after watching this one.
66
But for now, we're just going to focus on those weak function words.
67
So you use the weak form of the function words when you're saying normal sentences,
68
when you're a schwa sound.
69
Let me give you an example.
70
This sentence here, imagine we meet for the first time, and you say, "Hi, what's your name?" And I say, "I am Emma." sounds quite robotic and why is that?
71
It's because I'm using the strong form of Am.
72
Here, it sounds more natural to use the weak form.
73
"um" so we're using the schwa "I am Emma" I am Emma.
74
Here's another example.
75
He was an architect.
76
He was an architect.
77
It sounds like I'm really angry with you.
78
So I'm really stressing those unimportant little words.
79
So to make it sound more natural, we use the schwa.
80
He was an architect.
81
He was an architect.
82
Notice that when you use the schwa in these little function words, you can speak much more quickly and you sound a lot more natural.
83
If you'd like more examples of function words which change to a weak form and you want to practice them,
84
I've included lots more examples in the downloadable PDF for you.
85
So remember, you can go and download that.
86
Next, I want to talk about some spelling rules and word endings which use the schwa.
87
A -R E -A - O -R and R -E.
88
Keep in mind that most British accents are non -rhotic.
89
A non -rhotic accent basically means
90
that they don't pronounce the R at the end of words or they don't pronounce the R in certain cases.
91
Here I'm just talking specifically about the word endings.
92
So in most British English accents, they don't pronounce the R at the end of words.
93
However, there is a little, little, tiny, teeny tiny exception.
94
If the next word starts with another vowel sound, then that R will be pronounced.
95
I will come back to that in more detail.
96
in a moment.
97
For now, let's just practice some words which contain those four different word endings.
98
starting with popular popular.
99
So try not to say that 'r' at the end.
100
Popular.
101
Regular.
102
Regular doctor doctor actor actor teacher teacher
103
performer performer centre center meter meter
104
Now going back to the point I made before about when the next word starts with another vowel sound, we insert that /r / sound.
105
Let's just practice that for a second and I'll show you more what I mean by this.
106
So let's take this example.
107
She's a popular lady.
108
popular lady We're not going to pronounce the 'r' in popular, simply because the next word starts with a consonant sound.
109
So popular, "lady", no "r".
110
However, she was popular in school She was popular in school.
111
Notice now I'm adding that linking R, that R sound back into popular.
112
The reason for adding that R sound is to help us join to the next word, is to help transition between those two vowel sounds.
113
So we're not going to say popular in because it's like a bit.
114
We like to add sounds in between vowels to help us transition in English.
115
say she was popular in school.
116
popular in school.
117
If you'd like to learn more about linking vowels and learning more about this 'r' linking, I have a full video all about it.
118
I will link it down below in the description for you.
119
Now something interesting for you to learn is that any vowel letter can be pronounced as a schwa.
120
Now don't cry yet and think, "Oh my goodness, but then if every vowel letter can be a schwa,
121
how do I know when to pronounce the schwa?" It's very easy and very simple.
122
Don't panic.
123
Basically, it's that vowel is in the position of a weak syllable, so if that syllable is not stressed,
124
it usually, not always, but it usually is a schwa sound.
125
I'll show you what I mean.
126
Starting with the spelling 'a' we have 'sofa'.
127
Sofa.
128
"The" so we're not going to say "so far" So, "fa".
129
It's a lot weaker in English.
130
And why is that?
131
It's because that second syllable with "fa" is weak.
132
It's unstressed.
133
So, we use a schwa.
134
Next is the letter "i".
135
Open.
136
So now open.
137
Open.
138
Open.
139
The next is the letter I and we have pencil.
140
Pencil.
141
So that weak syllable.
142
Pen, eh eh eh, strong vowel sill "syll" because it's very weak, because it's not stressed, we're using a schwa.
143
The next is with the spelling "o".
144
This time we have two "o "s and two "schwas" and it makes sense because they're both in weak syllables.
145
Condition condition.
146
The only stressed syllable here is 'd' is that middle one and it uses a stronger vowel.
147
So the other two are schwa's because they're unstressed syllables.
148
Yeah?
149
So don't panic about when do I pronounce the schwa?
150
If it's a weak syllable, nine times out of ten, it's probably going to be a schwa.
151
And the last one with the spelling 'you', we have 'support'.
152
support.
153
The stress goes on the second syllable.
154
So the first one, because it's unstressed, because it's weak, it has a schwa.
155
Now you know.
156
I'm probably repeating myself a million times here, but so you understand that, it's not too difficult.
157
It's not too hard.
158
settings down below somewhere and you can make the video faster or slower for you.
159
Okay, ready?
160
Let's read.
161
A morning at Luna Cafe.
162
'Erika' Was the manager of the busy Luna Cafe in the city centre.
163
Each morning she would open the doors welcoming the aroma of coffee and pastries.
164
One day A handsome doctor.
165
named Adam A regular at the cafe appeared unusually tired.
166
He ordered his usual coffee and a chocolate cookie.
167
You seem exhausted today.
168
Erica commented as she served him.
169
Just the usual crazy shift at the hospital again.
170
Adam replied, managing a smile, Your coffee is my morning rescue.
171
As they chatted, a group of tourists entered, asking for coffees and muffins.
172
Erica quickly attended to them, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
173
By noon, the cafe was lively with regulars and newcomers alike.
174
each finding a moment of comfort in their busy days.
175
While closing the doors that evening,
176
Erika felt a sense of fulfillment knowing her small cafe made a big difference.
177
Now I'm going to read the story again, but at a more natural speed.
178
You might find it a little bit difficult to shadow this one.
179
So if you want to pause, then feel free.
180
Okay?
181
Ready?
182
Let's go again.
183
A morning at Luna Cafe.
184
Erika was the manager of the busy Lunar Cafe in the city centre.
185
Each morning she would open the doors, welcoming the aroma of coffee and pastries.
186
One day, a handsome doctor named Adam, a regular at the cafe, appeared unusually tired.
187
He ordered his usual coffee and a chocolate cookie.
188
"You seem exhausted today," Erica commented as she served him.
189
"Just the usual crazy shift at the hospital again," Adam replied managing a smile.
190
Your coffee is my morning rescue.
191
As they chatted, a group of tourists entered, asking for coffees and muffins.
192
Erica quickly attended to them enjoying the lively atmosphere By noon, the cafe was lively with regulars and newcomers alike,
193
each finding a moment of comfort in their busy days.
194
While closing the doors that evening, Erica felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing her small cafe made a big difference.
195
Well done for completing this English pronunciation lesson all about the schwa.
196
Your next step now is to download the free PDF lesson notes for this video.
197
The link to download it is below in the description.
198
Remember that you also get a copy of the story I've read today as well, so you can practice that alone or with your teacher.
199
Remember to give this video a like if you've enjoyed it and found it useful,
200
and subscribe to my channel if you'd like more videos to help you improve your English pronunciation and listening skills.
201
I'll see you in the next lesson.
202
Bye bye!
📺 Same Channel
B2Reductions & Contractions in English | Speak Faster and Understand Natives
British AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
![The Light L /l/ and Dark L [ɫ] in English](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ANa8UWr22x0/mqdefault.jpg)
B150
The Light L /l/ and Dark L [ɫ] in English
British AccentBusiness EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B26
Why People Still Don’t Understand Your English (Even If You're Fluent)
British AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationUniversity Students
B11
The British R Pronunciation | Technique, Linking, Intrusion
British AccentCambridge Exam PrepUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B14
How to Pronounce 'ed' Endings in English (+ FREE PDF 📎)
British AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
A21
How to Learn English Pronunciation (English Pronunciation for Beginners) - FREE PDF!
British AccentTeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B14
Learn a British Accent (RP｜Modern RP｜American English)
British AccentBusiness EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
A25
How to Pronounce all the VOWEL SOUNDS in BRITISH ENGLISH
British AccentCambridge Exam PrepHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
A26
Common Everyday English Phrases and Words: British English Pronunciation
British AccentTeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B19
British English Pronunciation: Shadowing Exercises (Listen and Repeat)
British AccentBusiness EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C11
How to Pronounce CONSONANT SOUNDS in BRITISH ENGLISH
British AccentCambridge Exam PrepUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
C13
How to Pronounce: /m/ and /n/ in Final Position
British AccentBusiness EnglishUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B12
Connected Speech - The Intrusive R in British English
British AccentCambridge Exam PrepUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
A2The /ɔː/ Sound (law, more, saw)
British AccentKidsTeensDaily Conversation
B1Silent Letters in English (Free PDF and Test!)
British AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
✨ Recommend Video
B11
248 sentences
The SCHWA Sound! English Pronunciation Lesson
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B1204 sentences
The EASY Way to Learn and Remember: SAY / TELL / SPEAK / TALK
British AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B1230 sentences
How to Pronounce the -ED ending in English (past tense pronunciation)
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
140 sentences
Linking sounds rules #1 & 2
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B1505 sentences
Mejora tu pronunciación en inglés con estos 45 trabalenguas
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B12
96 sentences
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐SUPER pronunciation lesson!! | how to Learn English fast for 30 days |
British AccentDaily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B11
159 sentences
DON'T pronounce this letter in British English ✋
British AccentCambridge Exam PrepBusiness EnglishDaily Conversation
![10 MIN Daily Pronunciation Practice for English Learners [Challenge mode🔥]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/A1R6fw2_FaE/mqdefault.jpg)
B136
196 sentences
10 MIN Daily Pronunciation Practice for English Learners [Challenge mode🔥]
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B11
167 sentences
Why is English Pronunciation So CONFUSING? | Silent Letters
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
B11
181 sentences
How to pronounce "CH" in German? | Easy German 126
TeensDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B11
6 sentences
How to pronounce tung tung tung sahur (CORRECTLY!)
Daily ConversationUniversity StudentsWorking Adults
B11
291 sentences
Learn English with TIE: Rhythm
Daily ConversationHigh School StudentsUniversity Students
Why practice speaking with this video?
This video is essential for English learners due to its focus on the schwa sound, the most common vowel sound in English. Understanding and practicing the schwa enhances your natural fluency and comprehension when interacting with native speakers. By using shadow speech techniques, you can repeat phrases right after the speaker, effectively mimicking the intonation and rhythm of English conversation. This method not only improves pronunciation but also helps you grasp the nuances in natural speech, making you sound more conversational and less robotic.
Grammar & Expressions in Context
The transcript contains practical examples of various grammatical structures commonly used in English. Here are a few key expressions to observe:
- “You seem exhausted today,” - An example of a direct observation in conversational English. This structure is casual and ideal for social interactions.
- “Just the usual crazy shift at the hospital again,” - This sentence showcases the use of ellipsis, which is often found in everyday speech, allowing the speaker to omit unnecessary information.
- “Your coffee is my morning rescue.” - This metaphor adds a personal touch, making speech more engaging and relatable. Learning to use such figurative language can enhance your conversational skills.
Practicing these expressions through shadowing can significantly improve how you convey emotions and nuances in conversations.
Common Pronunciation Traps
As you practice with this video, be mindful of common pronunciation traps associated with the schwa sound:
- The schwa appears in unstressed syllables, for instance, in words like “doctor” and “chocolate”. Avoid emphasizing these syllables too much, as they should sound weak and relaxed.
- Words like “agenda” may lead to confusion with pronunciation. When practicing, focus on maintaining a soft and natural sound rather than over-articulating.
- Pay attention to the ending sounds of words such as “popular”. A common mistake is pronouncing the ending "r" too strongly in non-rhotic accents; remember that the schwa should make the sound smoother.
To improve your pronunciation further, consider utilizing a shadowing app or participating in a shadowspeak session where you can practice these sounds in real time with a peer or instructor.
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now | you've learned · we've looked · I've included |
| Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it | will be pronounced · can be pronounced · is not stressed |
| Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around now | you're speaking · you're not pronouncing · you're not saying |
| Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or prediction | will help · will also help · will never find |
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.