English Online
with Speak Method


speakmethod


Online Classes Pronunciation Facts R, Th, T and other sounds 500 Words Practice
Local Classes Business Communication TOEFL Prep ESL Stories
Contact Us Vowel Sounds
Grammar and Idioms For Young People

English Pronunciation: Sounds of the Letter I

In English pronunciation, "I" sounds can be difficult. In many languages, an I sounds like a long E. For instance, the Spanish word "si" sounds like the English word "see." In American English, I has only two sounds: the short sound in "sit" and the long sound in "light."
The short sound is soft, low in pitch and made by holding the tongue with a little bit of tension. The long I sounds like the name of the letter: I.

The list below uses I and Long E sounds from the 500 Most Common English words. The I spelling is never a long E sound in American English (unless the word originated from another language), but the Long E words are included so you can practice the difference. Make sure your short I sounds are much lower in pitch and softer than the long E sounds. Longer words with I in the middle or at the end are included. Watch videos and get more practice with I sounds under 500 Words Practice.

Long I
Short I
Long E
I
in
three
line
it
these
right
is
each
time
with
see
write
his
near
like
this
need
my
think
seem
high
differ
feet
light
which
lead
kind
if
machine
try
will
hear
side
thing
feel
find
him
field
might
did
teach
while
big
week
night
picture
sleep
life
animal
clear
white
build
street
mile
live
wheel
fine
little
piece
science
give
reach
drive
still
deep
final
city
heat
mind
since
east
behind
children

fire
begin

size
music

five
until

decide
river

island
fish

dry
simple


There are more Short I sounds. These are the other Short I words from the 500 most common list: notice, figure, list, wind, quick, minute,  inch, ship, interest, sing, listen, six, possible, miss, sit, fill.

Try out your knowledge of the I sounds:

Take our online test

Contact Us

Send us a message and give us your ideas or questions about learning American English pronunciation.



Continue Learning


Get Your Free Evaluation

The American Accent

Pronunciation of 500 Words

Classes Online


Continue Learning


American Vowel Sounds

English Pronunciation News

English Grammar and Idioms

ESL Stories


Back to Speakmethod home.

Learn English Pronunciation