SH vs. CH: Do These Sounds Sound the Same to You?

Do words like ship and chip or shop and chop sound very similar to you? The SH and CH sounds can be easy to confuse, and substituting one for the other can sometimes change the meaning of the word your listener hears.

The good news is that there is a clear difference between these two sounds.

With SH, the air continues to flow and you can sustain the sound for as long as you have breath. With CH, the tongue briefly makes contact behind the upper teeth before the sound is released. You cannot sustain CH in the same way.

In this video, we'll practice hearing and producing the difference using word pairs such as:

• ship / chip

• shore / chore

• shop / chop

• shin / chin

• share / chair

We'll also practice the sounds in complete sentences so you can become more comfortable using them in everyday speech.

Want Personalized Help With Your Pronunciation?

Knowing how to make a sound is just one part of improving your speech. An instructor can help you identify the patterns that are affecting your communication and determine what you should focus on first.

Visit the Accent Channel Instructor Network to find an Accent Channel Certified Speech Coach who can provide personalized pronunciation, accent, and communication coaching.