Dearest Reader,

Welcome to another instalment of the English Enjoyed newsletter. In this week's instalment, we cover:

• ​Consonant Clusters - what are they and how can you master them?​
• ​A word about "fewer" and "less"​
• ​What I'm reading​

Consonant clusters

British English has a way of making us feel all too aware of our consonants, especially when they cluster together in those oh-so-dreaded combinations like "ths" and "str." In today’s lesson, we’ll take a closer look at consonant clusters and the finesse required to master them. With a bit of focus, these tricky sounds will soon feel like second nature.

What Are Consonant Clusters?

In short, consonant clusters are groups of two or more consonant sounds that come together without a vowel in between. In British English, clusters like "ths" (as in months or sixths) or "str" (as in street or structure) can be challenging to pronounce, as they require precise tongue placement and control.

Key Tips for Consonant Clusters:

1. "ths" Cluster:​
   Take the words "months" or "widths." Here, the “ths” at the end combines a soft "th" sound /θ/ with an "s" /s/.
   • Tip: Start by pronouncing the “th” sound, with the tip of your tongue between your teeth. Once you’ve got that, slide directly into the “s” sound, with your tongue moving slightly back to avoid extra breath.
   • Example Practice Sentence: "The months pass quickly, especially around the sixth."
2. "str" Cluster:​
   Words like "street" and "strong" start with a blend of "s," "t," and "r."
   • Tip: Begin with a gentle “s” sound, then lightly tap the “t” by touching your tongue to the ridge just behind your teeth, and finally, roll into the “r” by raising the back of your tongue slightly. Try to keep each sound distinct yet smooth.
   • Example Practice Sentence: "Strong structures stand on every street."
3. "lth" Cluster:​
   Think of words like "health" or "wealth." This cluster combines an "l," "th," and sometimes ends in another consonant.
   • Tip: Start with the “l” by placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then release into the “th” sound by letting the tongue slip between your teeth. Keep the movement subtle to avoid overpronouncing each sound.
   • Example Practice Sentence: "Good health and wealth go hand in hand."

Practice Makes Perfect:

Consonant clusters are best mastered with consistent practice. Try reading these sentences aloud to build confidence and precision:

1. “Sixths and months often require careful articulation.”
2. “The structure on the street stood tall and strong.”
3. “Health and strength are what we all strive for.”

A Practical Challenge:

Here’s a small exercise to try on your own. Read this tongue-twister aloud, focusing on each cluster:

"Thirty-three thieves thought they thrilled the throne throughout the three-month journey."

Take your time, practice, and let your tongue find the rhythm of each cluster. Mastering these sounds will bring a new level of polish to your British English pronunciation.

Consonant clusters may feel like a workout for your tongue, but they’re a rewarding aspect of British English pronunciation that will elevate your clarity and flow. Embrace them, practice daily, and soon you’ll find yourself breezing through those "ths" and "str" sounds with ease.

A word about "fewer" and "less"

Earlier this week I posted a video about "fewer" and "less" and I mentioned how, in the case of "10 items or less", that “less” can mean “fewer” in any context where it sounds natural and makes sense.

So it’s not wrong to say “10 items or less,” it’s simply not as proper as “10 items or fewer.”

This is an example of when following “rules” too closely can lead to rather awkward language. If you’re aiming to sound proper by saying your destination is “fewer than 10 miles away” or that you have “fewer than 20 pounds in your wallet,” you might be missing the mark.

This is because “fewer” focuses on individual units, and while miles and pounds can be counted, we rarely think of them as separate entities here.

For instance, “10 miles” isn’t really ten individual things—it represents a single stretch of distance. So, “fewer than 10 miles” implies an exact number, like 9 miles or 8 miles, but excludes the possibility of, say, 9.5 or 7.4 miles. The same goes for “fewer than 50 pounds”: it implies you’re counting only whole dollars, ignoring pennies!

In these cases, “less than” is more appropriate because it treats the distance or sum as a single whole. So, “less than 10 miles” or “less than 50 pounds” more accurately captures your intended meaning.

What I'm reading

I recently acquired a book called "The King's English". I hope to share any and all tips and advice gleaned from this. Stay tuned!

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Warm regards,

Thomas Your British English Coach