Cluster sounds, plosive + /r/: /pr/, /br/, tr/, /dr/, kr/, /gr/
Whether you’re an English learner or a native speaker aiming to refine your pronunciation, you’ve likely encountered the term “cluster sounds.” But what exactly do we mean by cluster sounds?
In the realm of English phonetics, a cluster sound, also referred to as a consonant cluster, denotes a collection of two or more consonants articulated together without any intervening vowel sounds. Mastering these sounds poses a challenge for English learners, demanding meticulous attention to mouth placement, breath control, and overall mouth articulation.
Here on this page, I’ve curated a comprehensive list of prevalent cluster sounds in English, accompanied by engaging practice exercises designed to enhance your pronunciation. Through dedicated learning and regular practice of these sounds, you can elevate your proficiency, fostering confidence and effectiveness in your English speech.
Cluster sound /pr/
Words:
print, present, principal, property, prove, profession, promise, propaganda, pry, preface, propel, prescription, prism, private, predate, proximity, precept, preoccupy, preheat, princess
Tube stations:
Preston Road
Sentences:
The project manager’s purchase order for the printer was promptly processed by procurement, allowing for the proposal presentation to proceed.
The prankster prince and his friends plotted a prank on the prim and proper princess.
Professor Pritchard’s prized prize pig was praised by the press for its perfectly proportioned pork chops.
Cluster sound /br/
Words:
brace, break, breeze, bright, broad, brother, brush, brunch, bracelet, brain, breath, brown, bride, brief, brim, bravery, brawl, branch, brick, broccoli
Tube stations:
Brent Cross, Brixton, Bromley-by-Bow, Ealing Broadway, Fulham Broadway, Knightsbridge, Ladbroke Grove, London Bridge, Putney Bridge, Redbridge, Snaresbrook, Stamford Brook, Stonebridge Park, Tooting Broadway, Upminster Bridge, Uxbridge, West Brompton
Sentences:
In a vibrant bakery in Bristol, the brilliant broadcaster Emma Bridgewater brunched on a breathtaking assortment of bread, bringing her brand-new broadcast to life.
In the streets of Bristol, the vibrant Brazilian carnival brought a breath of fresh air, as revellers in bright costumes celebrated under the breathtaking brimming spectacle.
Cluster sound /tr/
Words:
train, tree, travel, trophy, trick, tropical, treasure, true, track, triangle, tradition, trust, treatment, trial, tribute, truck, translator, triumph, transmit, trousers
Locations:
Trafalgar Square, Trinity Crescent
Tube stations:
Baker Street, Becontree, Bond Street, Cannon Street, Goodge Street, Finchley Central, Great Portland Street, Hendon Central, High Street Kensington, Hounslow Central, Liverpool Street, Stratford, Old Street, Walthamstow Central, Warren Street, Wembley Central
Sentences:
In tranquil Trafford, the tropical-themed trampoline park attracted thrill-seekers ready to embark on a thrilling adventure. The trusted tour guide, Trevor, shared fascinating trivia about the place, making the trip truly treasurable for everyone.
Cluster sound /dr/
Words:
dream, draw, draft, drought, drape, dread, dry, drill, drip, drink, driven, drove, drone, drew, drool
Sentences:
In tranquil Trafford, the tropical-themed trampoline park attracted thrill-seekers ready to embark on a thrilling adventure. The trusted tour guide, Trevor, shared fascinating trivia about the place, making the trip truly treasurable for everyone.
Cluster sound /kr/
Words:
cram, crop, cream, creak, creep, crease, crow, crome, crew, cruise, crook, crayon, crate
Famous people:
Kristen Stewart, Kristin Scott Thomas, Chris Martin, Christopher Nolan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Craig David, Kristen Bell, Krist Novoselic, Kristin Kreuk, Daniel Craig
Tube stations:
Brent Cross, Charing Cross, Croxley, Hatton Cross, King’s Cross, St Pancras, Mornington Crescent
Cluster sound /gr/
Words:
grasp, green, gravel, grind, groove, grumble, grand, grape, grow, great, grateful, grammar, group, gravity, grocery, grinder, gradual, gravy, grizzly, grid
Famous people:
Hugh Grant, Graham Norton, Grace Kelly, Gregor Mendel, Graeme Souness, Griff Rhys Jones, Greer Garson, Graham Greene, Graham Chapman, Grayson Perry, Greta Scacchi, Greg James, Griffon Ramsey, Greg Rutherford, Graeme Garden, Grace Coddington, Greg Davies, Gracie Fields, Gray O’Brien, Greg Wise, Gregg Wallace, Grant Gustin, Greig Laidlaw
Tube stations:
Golders Green, Grange Hill, Great Portland Street, Greenford, Green Park, Kensal Green, Ladbroke Grove, North Greenwich, Parsons Green, Stepney Green, Turnham Green, Willesden Green, Wood Green, Arnos Grove, Bethnal Green, Bounds Green