Sound: B and P
b is voiced, p is not.
Examples
- big / pig
- bat / pat
Key rules
- B is a voiced consonant, with the vocal cords vibrating; P is voiceless, with no vibration
- Both are made with the lips, so the difference is the voice
- Put your hand on your throat to feel the vibration
Common mistakes
- pig pronounced /bɪɡ/ → Say /pɪɡ/
- big pronounced /pɪɡ/ → Say /bɪɡ/
Use cases
- Speaking clearly
- Pronouncing names and words
- Listening to instructions
💡 Tip: Place your hand on your throat: you should feel a buzz on b but not on p.