Silent "H" (heir, honest, etc) | English Pronunciation

This tutorial covers the pronunciation of words starting with a silent H in English. It highlights common mistakes, especially for speakers of Romance languages, and provides examples like 'heir', 'honest', 'honor', and 'hour'. The video also discusses the difference in pronunciation of 'herb' between British and American English. A mnemonic sentence is provided to help remember these words.

Why might speakers of Romance languages find silent H words challenging in English?

• They are used to pronouncing all letters.

• They do not use the letter H.

• They have different alphabets.

• They have no silent letters in their languages.

Which of the following words begins with a silent H?

• Air

• Hatch

• Hair

• Here

What mistake did the Prime Minister of Canada make regarding a silent H word?

• He pronounced the H in 'honor'.

• He pronounced the H in 'air'.

• He pronounced the H in 'herb'.

• He pronounced the H in 'hour'.

In British English, how is the word 'herb' pronounced?

• With a silent H

• With a pronounced H

• With a silent B

• With a silent R

Which sentence can help you remember words with silent H?

• The honest and honourable heir calls his mother every hour.

• The heir and his honest mother call every hour.

• The honourable heir honestly calls every hour.

• The honest heir calls his honourable mother every hour.