Unit 21: Semi-vowels

Unit 21 — Semi-vowels /w/ and /j/

Semi-vowels are sounds that begin like vowels but function as consonants. They are very short and glide quickly into the following vowel.

/w/ — rounded glide

• Start with lips strongly rounded and pushed forward, like the beginning of woo.
• The back of the tongue rises toward the soft palate.
• Release into the next vowel quickly: we, way, walk.
• Common spellings: w (win), wh (what), qu = /kw/ (queen), u in some words (persuade).

/j/ — front glide

• Start with the tongue high and front, close to the position for /iː/ (like the beginning of ee).
• Release into the next vowel quickly: yes, you, year.
• Common spellings: y (yet), u = /juː/ (use, music), eu/ew (Europe, few).

Common pitfalls

• Holding the glide too long, making it sound like a full vowel.
• Replacing /j/ with /dʒ/ (turning year into jeer).
• Forgetting lip-rounding on /w/, making wet sound like vet.

Quick examples: wet / yet, west / yeast, wear / year.