Keyword STRUT
/ʌ/as in “cup”
How to make it
- Open your jaw about halfway.
- Keep your tongue in the middle of your mouth, relaxed.
- Keep your lips relaxed and the sound short.
Common mistake
Saying the "a" of "cat" ("cat" for "cut") or a rounded "o" ("cop" for "cup"). Spelling misleads here: "love", "money", "blood" all use this sound.
In words
Listen at normal speed or slowly, then say it yourself.
- cup
- love
- sun
Don't confuse with
Listen and choose the word you hear.
US and UK
This sound is the same in American and British English.