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Vowel Minimal Pair

How to Pronounce cop vs cup

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Cop’ (⁄kɑːp⁄ or ⁄kɒp⁄) uses open back ⁄ɑː⁄; ‘cup’ (⁄kʌp⁄) uses central ⁄ʌ⁄.

Contrast: Open ⁄ɑː⁄ vs central ⁄ʌ⁄

cop

⁄kɒp⁄

Syllables

COP

Definition:

To capture or arrest someone.

cup

⁄kʌp⁄

Syllables

CUP

Definition:

A concave vessel for drinking, usually made of opaque material (as opposed to a glass) and with a handle.

“Pour the tea into the cup.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: cop vs cup

What is the difference in pronunciation between "cop" and "cup"?

‘Cop’ (⁄kɑːp⁄ or ⁄kɒp⁄) uses open back ⁄ɑː⁄; ‘cup’ (⁄kʌp⁄) uses central ⁄ʌ⁄.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "cop" vs "cup"?

"cop" has 1 syllable(s) (cop) with stress on "COP". "cup" has 1 syllable(s) (cup) with stress on "CUP".

Why do English learners often confuse "cop" and "cup"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Open ⁄ɑː⁄ vs central ⁄ʌ⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "cop" and "cup"?

Example for "cop": "COP 30 organizers knew what they were doing by bringing the delegates right into the Amazon for this next summit." Example for "cup": "Pour the tea into the cup."