Accent guide

Reduce a French accent in English

The sounds below are the ones French speakers most often work on for a more neutral American accent. Hear each one, then practice words that use it.

Sounds to focus on

  • /θ/as in thin

    Voiceless 'th'. Tongue tip lightly between teeth, no voice. Don't substitute /t/ or /s/.

  • /ð/as in this

    Voiced 'th'. Tongue tip lightly between teeth, vocal cords on.

  • /h/as in house

    Just a puff of air from the throat. Don't add friction.

  • /tʃ/as in church

    Stop the air at the gum ridge, then release with 'sh'.

  • /dʒ/as in judge

    Voiced 'ch'. Stop at gum ridge, release with 'zh'.

  • /ɹ/as in red

    American /r/: bunch the tongue back and slightly up. Lips rounded. Don't tap the roof.

  • /ʃ/as in ship

    Tongue blade further back than /s/, lips slightly protruded.

  • /ɪ/as in kit

    Short and lax. Keep the tongue lower and more relaxed than 'iy' (sheep).

  • /iː/as in fleece

    Tense, smiling. Pull tongue high and front. Longer than 'ih'.

  • /ʌ/as in cup

    Relaxed central vowel (sometimes a schwa /ə/ when unstressed). Don't pronounce the full vowel in unstressed syllables.

Words to practice

comfortablevegetablefebruarylibraryprobablyrecipeislandmischievousnichegenre

Common questions

Which English sounds are hardest for French speakers?
French speakers most often work on these American English sounds: /θ/, /ð/, /h/, /tʃ/, /dʒ/, /ɹ/.
How can I reduce my French accent in English?
Focus on the specific sounds your first language doesn't use the same way. Hear each sound on this page, then record yourself for an instant score — and create a free account to track which sounds still need work.

Sound more native, faster.

Create a free account to track your French-accent progress, drill your weakest sounds, and practice full sentences with instant scoring.

How to Reduce a French Accent in English · Crisp Speak