Pronunciation · lesson 3 of 24 · free

s and sh sounds — English pronunciation practice

Some learners say “sh” for s (“shee” for sea) and others say s for sh. The two sounds are made with different mouth shapes. A few spellings also make the sh sound without the letters sh: sugar, sure, machine, station.

▶ Watch how it works

Got it? Practise ↓

How to say it

Smile for s, push forward for sh — “s: lips spread, a thin hiss; sh: lips pushed forward, a soft rushing sound”

  1. s: smile a little, keep your teeth close and hiss like a snake — sun, sea, sell.
  2. sh: push your lips forward and let the air rush out — ship, she, shell.
  3. Watch the spelling: sugar and sure start with the sh sound.

Use it for: Saying sea and she, sell and shell, sort and short, save and shave clearly.

Worked example: Which word starts with the same sound as “shop”? → shout

  1. Say “shop” slowly. It starts with the sh sound: lips pushed forward.
  2. “shout” starts with sh too; “sea” and “sell” start with s.

Check: sh-op and sh-out start the same ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊) or read, then tap your choice. Say each word aloud after you check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

Right: 0 · Tried: 0

🏁 Lesson 3 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🐚 Sea-She Sorter badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 1 · Sounds. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ S and SH Sounds Worksheet

✨ Free AI tutor

Ask the AI tutor about this lesson

Why does it work? When should you use it? Ask in English, मराठी or हिंदी.

Sign in with Google to ask Free — 20 questions a day.

👩‍🏫 Pronunciation classes near you — online or at home

Prefer a real teacher? TalentJR teachers take live online classes anywhere in India and visit homes in selected cities. Tell us what you need and our team will call you with timings and fees.

Live online classesSmall groups or 1:1 with a teacher, from home, any city.
Teacher at homeA TalentJR teacher visits your home (selected cities).
At a centreClasses at a TalentJR partner centre near you, where available.
Badges, certificates & gifts A badge for every lesson you pass, a certificate for every part you finish, plus TalentJR Points for daily practice. English speaking course Use clear pronunciation in real conversations.