Nasal sounds in American English

Wadjasay? American English Pronunciation Practice

English has three nasal sounds. They are “M” as in “mama”, “N” as in “nine”, and /ŋ/ - the ‘ing’ sound, as in “ring.”

In making each of these sounds, some air comes out through your nose which is why they are called ‘nasal’ sounds. If you pinch your nose shut while trying to make these sounds, you’ll find they sound very different. If you hum: mmmmmmmmm and then pinch your nose, you’ll see what I mean. Listen…

Let’s practice first with words containing the ‘M’ sound.

1- I’m glad I’m not a company manager.

2- We must improve our meetings.

3- I will attempt to find a word with a similar meaning.

4- We have a complex economy.

5- You are welcome to our kingdom.

6- This is your minimum payment, and this is the maximum.

7- I can’t measure someone who keeps moving.

8- She will monitor the monthly outcomes.

9- He promised to examine the medical performance of the staff.

10- All the students at the academy wear uniforms.

“N” Sounds:

11- Mr. Johnson is the current leading candidate.

12- I need to include the General in the decision.

13- He runs a network of spies for our country..

14- What is the benefit of running every weekend?

15- He has billions of dollars in a foreign account.

16- Someone has written me a note in French.

17- Our economy is not generating enough revenue.

18- She is a western finance minister.

19- I have concerns about the new version of our accounting software.

20- Our mission is to prevent the advance of the aliens.

/ŋ/ - the ‘ing’ sound

21- Now you’re being stubborn.

22- Oh, he’s just doing his thing.

23- Let’s go mingle with the throng.

24- I’m right and you’re wrong.

25- Please bring your brother along.

26- Politicians are lying while people are dying.

27- She’s young, angry, and very hungry.

28- The singer was in the kitchen eating dinner.

29- A guitar usually has six strings.

30- I’m saving fifty dollars every week.

31- The baby is crying.

32- He’s working at a boring job.

33- My darling is out sailing.

34- That’s the famous leaning tower of Pisa.

35- Water is dripping through a hole in the ceiling.

36- I’m hunting for a good book. I love reading.

37- Sarah is sitting on the sofa waiting for her uncle to arrive.

38- She is trying to hide her feelings.

39- He saw a monster creeping across the floor.

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40- Superman flies faster than a speeding bullet.

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