Plosives: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/

Plosives: /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/

Plosives are consonants characterized by a complete stoppage of airflow followed by a sudden release. This creates a burst of sound.

Place of Articulation

• Labial plosives: /p/ and /b/ are produced by pressing the lips together.
• Dental/alveolar plosives: /t/ and /d/ are produced by pressing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge (the bony ridge behind the teeth).
• Velar plosives: /k/ and /g/ are produced by pressing the back of the tongue against the soft palate.

Manner of Articulation

• Stop: The airflow is completely blocked.
• Burst: The airflow is suddenly released, creating a burst of sound.

Voicing

• Voiceless: /p/, /t/, and /k/ are voiceless, meaning the vocal cords do not vibrate.
• Voiced: /b/, /d/, and /g/ are voiced, meaning the vocal cords vibrate.

Examples of words containing plosives:

• Labial plosives: “pen”, “bat”, “pop”, “bib”
• Dental/alveolar plosives: “ten”, “dog”, “top”, “dad”
• Velar plosives: “can”, “go”, “kick”, “gag”

Practice:

• Repeat each plosive sound several times, focusing on the correct placement of the tongue and lips.
• Try to identify the plosive sounds in words.
• Practice saying words that contain plosives.
• Syllabus for Pronunciation of English Language