How common \/ˈkɒm.ən\/ is the schwa sound in English speaking?
The schwa sound /ə/ is the most common sound in English - and one of the hardest for learners to hear and pronounce.
In this post, we explore what the schwa is, why it’s so frequent in British English speech, and how improving your awareness of it can help you sound more fluent and natural.
If you know just one phonetic alphabet symbol for English pronunciation, it's probably the schwa: /ə/. The schwa is a weak sound, but it carries enormous power.
The schwa represents just over 9% of all the speech sounds in English: that means you'll be needing to say it and recognise it very frequently.
Pronunciation Challenge
Can you identify where the schwa sounds are in these words:
1 responsible
2 April
3 similar
🎥 Watch: What Is the Schwa Sound?
These short videos explain where the schwa sounds /ə/ are in the words 'responsible', 'April' and 'similar' - and how to pronounce it clearly.
A wide range of spellings can require a schwa sound in terms of pronunciation: ahead, perhaps, upon and freedom are just a few examples.
A schwa can be a syllable all on its own: for example, in the word ‘available’, the first syllable (weak) syllable is a schwa sound /əˈveɪ.lə.bl/.
You can hear the schwa sound in isolation and in three example words on our our interactive British English sound chart.
Can you think of five other words which include the schwa sound? Check your answers by looking at the phonetic script in an online dictionary like the Oxford Learner's Dictionary or the Cambridge Dictionary.
If you want to take your English to the next level, we offer 1:1 specialist English communications training online at a competitive price. You might also like our online course, Pronunciation Power.
Get in touch via email: jenny@jdenglishpronunciation.co.uk to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation 30-minute discovery call to discuss your needs.
About the author
Hi there 👋 My name is Jenny Dance, and I have over 20 years' teaching experience. I am fascinated by language and sound, and have a passion for pronunciation...