English“TH” Sound - English Study Helper

Do you ever feel that your tongue doesn’t know where to go when you say the English“TH” Sound?

Many English learners find TH difficult because the sound may not exist in their first language. The tongue position can feel unfamiliar, and the spelling can be confusing because TH has two different sounds.

Can you say think and this without replacing TH with another sound?

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Why does the English“TH” Sound feel unfamiliar?

To make either TH sound, gently place the tip of your tongue between your teeth or just behind your top front teeth. Then let the air pass over your tongue.

If your language uses a different tongue position for similar sounds, this movement may feel strange at first. You might replace TH with T, D, S, Z, F, or V. That is a common part of learning a new sound.

Try not to push your tongue too far out. You only need to show a little of it between your teeth.

Are there two different “TH” sounds?

Yes. The spelling TH represents two sounds.

The quiet sound in “think”

In think, three, and bath, the sound is made without your voice vibrating. Put your tongue in position and let air pass over it.

Try these words:

think
three
Thursday
bath
teeth

You can check whether your voice is off by touching your throat. You should feel little or no vibration as you make the TH sound.

The buzzing sound in “this”

In this, they, and mother, your voice vibrates as you make the sound. Keep your tongue in a similar position, but turn your voice on.

Try these words:

this
that
they
brother
breathe

Touch your throat while saying this. You should feel a gentle buzz.

Why can the spelling be confusing?

The same letters appear in both think and this, but the sounds are different. That means you can’t always know which sound to use just by looking at TH.

It helps to learn new words with an example sentence. For example:

I think that’s a good idea.
This is my brother.

Practising the whole sentence can help the sound feel more natural.

From My Experience

Based on my experience as an English learner — and later as a teacher and mentor — I openly share the struggles and mistakes I made, so others don’t have to repeat them. I share the practical tips and methods that helped me move from frustration to confidence.

How can you practise the “TH” sound?

Start slowly. First practise the tongue position, then say a few words, and finally use the sound in a sentence.

1. Practise in front of a mirror

Watch your tongue as you say think and this. Aim for a small movement between your teeth. If you feel unsure, slow down and try again.

2. Practise pairs of words

Say each pair slowly and listen for the difference:

think — sink
three — tree
then — den
they — day
thank — tank

You don’t need to rush. Clear, careful practice is more useful than repeating the words quickly.

3. Use short sentences

Try these sentences:

I think three things are missing.
They thanked their mother.
This Thursday, I’ll visit them.

Say each sentence slowly at first. When it feels easier, try it at a comfortable speaking speed.

4. Record yourself

Record one or two sentences on your phone, then listen. Notice whether TH sounds clear to you. You can also compare your recording with a reliable English pronunciation example.

Be patient with yourself. A sound that feels awkward at first can become easier with regular practice.

Key takeaways: English“TH” Sound

English TH can be difficult because the tongue position may be new.
TH has two sounds: a quiet sound in think and a voiced, buzzing sound in this.
Some learners replace TH with another sound while they are practising.
A mirror, short word pairs, and simple sentences can help you improve.
Practise slowly and focus on clear pronunciation before speed.

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What to do next

Choose three TH words you use often. Practise them in front of a mirror, then say each one in a short sentence. Repeat the practice for a few minutes a day and notice what becomes easier.

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