Speak
1: Using the schwa sound when asking for things
When asking for items in a shop such as jeans, sunglasses and trainers you have to ask for a 'pair' of them. This request
involves several uses of the schwa sound. Try pronouncing these requests.
Instructions for exercise
In Unit 1 we described the schwa sound as the most common weak sound in the English language and is very important because
it helps to give English its rhythm. As well as when using comparisons, as in Unit 1, the schwa sound is also used in requests. Click on a sentence below to listen to it. Look out for the text turning red to detect when the schwa sound is used during the request and then try and repeat the pronunciation.