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Consonant Contrast

How to Pronounce glass vs grass

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Glass’ (⁄ɡlæs⁄) has /l/ cluster; ‘grass’ (⁄ɡræs⁄) has /r/ cluster.

Contrast: ⁄ɡl⁄ vs ⁄ɡr⁄ cluster

Word 1Full word page➔

glass

⁄ɡlæs⁄

Syllables

GLASS

Definition:

An amorphous solid, often transparent substance, usually made by melting silica sand with various additives (for most purposes, a mixture of soda, potash and lime is added).

“This tabletop is made of glass.”
Word 2Full word page➔

grass

⁄ɡræs⁄

Syllables

GRASS

Definition:

Any plant of the family Poaceae, characterized by leaves that arise from nodes in the stem and leaf bases that wrap around the stem, especially those grown as ground cover rather than for grain.

“Thou turnest man to destruction: and sayest, Returne yee children of men. / For a thousand yeeres in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past: and as a watch in the night. / Thou carriest them away as with a flood, they are as a sleepe: in the morning they are like grasse which groweth vp. / In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth vp: in the euening it is cut downe, and withereth.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: glass vs grass

What is the difference in pronunciation between "glass" and "grass"?

‘Glass’ (⁄ɡlæs⁄) has /l/ cluster; ‘grass’ (⁄ɡræs⁄) has /r/ cluster.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "glass" vs "grass"?

"glass" has 1 syllable(s) (glass) with stress on "GLASS". "grass" has 1 syllable(s) (grass) with stress on "GRASS".

Why do English learners often confuse "glass" and "grass"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: ⁄ɡl⁄ vs ⁄ɡr⁄ cluster. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "glass" and "grass"?

Example for "glass": "This tabletop is made of glass." Example for "grass": "Thou turnest man to destruction: and sayest, Returne yee children of men. / For a thousand yeeres in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past: and as a watch in the night. / Thou carriest them away as with a flood, they are as a sleepe: in the morning they are like grasse which groweth vp. / In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth vp: in the euening it is cut downe, and withereth."