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Short U / Strut Vowel
The mid-low back-central unrounded vowel sound heard in words like "cup", "luck", "son", and "does". Often called the STRUT vowel in linguistics, this sound is common in English and appears in many frequently used words.
Jaw is mid-open, slightly lower than for schwa /ə/. Tongue is low-mid and in the center or slightly back of the mouth, relaxed. Lips are neutral, not rounded or spread. The sound is produced with an open throat and relaxed articulation.
Quick Position
6 sec - quick reference
Professional Guide
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Complete Lesson
8+ min - detailed lesson
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Example Words
kʌplʌksʌndʌzfʌnʌpbʌtˈstʌdilʌvkʌmPronunciation Practice
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3-5 essential words
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Minimal Pairs
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kʌpkæplʌklɑkhʌthɑtbʌtbætTongue Twister
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❤️ DonatePractice and related guides
Use the hub pages below to reinforce this sound with drills and deeper explanations.
Sound Hub
Study the English vowel system
Review short vowels, long vowels, and the schwa in one structured hub.
Practice
Practice English vowels
Use focused vowel drills to lock in the contrasts covered on this page.
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Pronunciation
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Discover how double consonant letters signal short vowel sounds in English. Learn why 'dinner' and 'diner' sound completely different, and master this essential rule to pronounce hundreds of words correctly.