Accent guide

Reduce a Indian English accent in English

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

Sounds to focus on

  • /v/as in very

    Upper teeth on lower lip with voicing. Don't substitute /w/.

  • /w/as in we

    Round and protrude lips, glide to the next vowel.

  • /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.

  • /t/as in two

    Voiceless tongue-tip stop. Between vowels, American English flaps it ('water' → 'wad-er').

  • /d/as in day

    Tongue tip on the gum ridge, voiced. Between vowels in American English, often becomes a quick flap.

  • /æ/as in cat

    Smile slightly, tongue low and front. Don't let it drift toward 'eh'.

  • /z/as in zoo

    Voiced /s/. Vocal cords on.

  • /ɹ/as in red

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

Words to practice

comfortablevegetablewednesdayfebruarylibraryprobablyrecipesalmonmischievousgenre

Common questions

Which English sounds are hardest for Indian English speakers?
Indian English speakers most often work on these American English sounds: /v/, /w/, /θ/, /ð/, /t/, /d/.
How can I reduce my Indian English 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 Indian English-accent progress, drill your weakest sounds, and practice full sentences with instant scoring.

How to Reduce a Indian English Accent in English · Crisp Speak