son = sun

Did you know that the O in SON sounds like the U in SUN? Find out more below!

  1. Introduction
  2. Words
  3. Sentences

1. Introduction

These words are spelled with 'o' but are pronounced like the /ʌ/ in sun, not the /ɒ/ in dog. Listen to the difference:

These words are very commonly mispronounced, but do not cause any major confusion. I cannot find a rule for this group, which is why it is difficult to put them in any useful order... I'm afraid you will have to learn them by heart!

If you find a word that should be on this list - but isn't - please let me know!


2. Words

Note that one starts with a 'w' sound: /wʌn/. This is the same as in once /wʌns/:

Be careful to say wonder /ˈwʌndə/ and not wander /ˈwɒndə/...

In the next two words, the 'gh' is silent: /ˈbʌrə/ /ˈθʌrə/


3. Sentences

My brother is my mother's son.

On Monday, I start at another company in London. (The second 'o' in London is a schwa /ə/).

I've done one of the tasks, but you've done none!

Last month I had nothing, but the other day I won some money! (We could also use the schwa in some)

The other team discovered a government cover-up...

Don't worry about the front cover - we'll change the colour.

My stomach was very uncomfortable, after a dozen slices of Victoria Sponge!