English consonant sounds according to the Manner of Articulation.

Classifying English Consonant Sounds According to the Manner of Articulation

In English phonetics, consonant sounds are made when the air passes through the mouth and meets some kind of obstacle. The obstacle may be the lips, teeth, or tongue. The way this air is stopped or released helps us to know the manner of articulation. It means the method or process by which a sound is formed. Understanding this is important for correct pronunciation and speaking.

There are several manners of articulation in English. Each one depends on how the air flows and how much it is blocked. Let us learn them step by step.

1. Plosives (or Stops)

Plosive sounds are produced when the air is stopped completely for a short time and then released suddenly. This sudden release creates a small burst of sound. In English, the plosive sounds are /p, b, t, d, k, g/.

• In /p/ and /b/, the lips close together and then open.
• In /t/ and /d/, the tongue touches the upper teeth ridge and then releases.
• In /k/ and /g/, the back of the tongue touches the soft part of the mouth.

A linguist once said, “A stop sound is like a gate that opens suddenly after holding back the air.” This helps us remember that plosives are made by stopping and then releasing the air.

2. Fricatives

Fricative sounds are made when the air passes through a narrow space and creates friction. The air is not fully stopped, but it makes a hissing or buzzing sound. English fricatives are /f, v, θ, ð, s, z, ʃ, ʒ, h/.

• In /f/ and /v/, the bottom lip touches the upper teeth.
• In /θ/ (as in “think”) and /ð/ (as in “this”), the tongue touches the teeth slightly.
• In /s/ and /z/, the tongue comes close to the upper ridge.
• In /ʃ/ (as in “she”) and /ʒ/ (as in “measure”), the air passes through the middle of the tongue.
• /h/ is made in the throat with a little breath.

As one linguist mentioned, “Fricatives whisper through narrow doors.” This tells us that the air passes through a small opening and makes sound by friction.

3. Affricates

Affricate sounds begin like plosives but end like fricatives. This means the air is first stopped and then released slowly through a narrow passage. In English, the two affricates are /ʧ/ (as in “church”) and /ʤ/ (as in “judge”).
The tongue first blocks the air, and then releases it with friction. So, affricates are mixed sounds — half plosive and half fricative.

A phonetic writer said, “Affricates begin with closure and end with breath.” It means they start like stops and finish like fricatives.

4. Nasals

Nasal sounds are made when the air passes through the nose instead of the mouth. The mouth is closed, and the soft palate is lowered. English nasal sounds are /m, n, ŋ/.

• /m/ is made by closing the lips.
• /n/ is made by touching the upper ridge with the tongue.
• /ŋ/ is made by raising the back of the tongue near the soft part of the mouth, as in “sing.”

Nasal sounds are smooth and soft because air flows through the nose freely.

5. Laterals

Lateral sounds are produced when the air passes along the sides of the tongue. The middle of the tongue touches the ridge, but air goes out from the sides. In English, there is one main lateral sound: /l/.
It is made when the tip of the tongue touches the upper ridge while the sides are open. This gives a clear, liquid-like sound.

6. Glides (or Approximants)

Glides are smooth sounds made with very little contact between the speech organs. The air flows freely, and there is no friction. In English, glides are /w, j, r/.

• /w/ is made with rounded lips.
• /j/ is made when the tongue moves near the roof of the mouth.
• /r/ is made with the tongue close to the ridge but not touching it.

These sounds are also called semi-vowels because they are produced smoothly like vowels but act as consonants in words.

7. Summary of Manner Types

Final Thoughts

Understanding the manner of articulation helps students to pronounce words correctly and to know how English sounds are made. Each consonant has its own style. Some are quick and strong, some are soft and flowing. Learning them step by step helps learners speak with confidence and clarity.

Phonetics gives a clear picture of how speech organs work together. When learners practice each sound carefully, they will hear the difference and use it naturally in speech.