Hi there. Thank you for the great answer you asked. Here are some tips for you:
The best way to distinguish these sounds isn't just by length, but by muscle tension. Think of it as "Tense" vs. "Relaxed."
1. The ‘Long e’ /iː/ — The "Smile" Sound
Mouth Shape: Your lips should be pulled back into a wide, tight smile.
Muscle Tension: The muscles in your cheeks and throat are tense.
Tongue: The tongue is high and pushed forward toward your teeth.
Examples: Sheep, Seat, Eat, Feet.
2. The ‘Short i’ /ɪ/ — The "Lazy" Sound
Mouth Shape: Your mouth is slightly open and completely relaxed. No smiling!
Muscle Tension: The muscles are loose. It should feel "lazy."
Tongue: The tongue is slightly lower and sitting in the middle of your mouth.
Examples: Ship, Sit, It, Fit.
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Kai
• March 31, 2026 – 03:30
I have an American friend. In everyday speech, he does not pronounce the "th" at all. He pronounces "clothes" exactly like the verb "close" (as in, "Please close the door").
Hi there. Thank you for the great answer you asked. Here are some tips for you:
The best way to distinguish these sounds isn't just by length, but by muscle tension. Think of it as "Tense" vs. "Relaxed."
1. The ‘Long e’ /iː/ — The "Smile" Sound
Mouth Shape: Your lips should be pulled back into a wide, tight smile.
Muscle Tension: The muscles in your cheeks and throat are tense.
Tongue: The tongue is high and pushed forward toward your teeth.
Examples: Sheep, Seat, Eat, Feet.
2. The ‘Short i’ /ɪ/ — The "Lazy" Sound
Mouth Shape: Your mouth is slightly open and completely relaxed. No smiling!
Muscle Tension: The muscles are loose. It should feel "lazy."
Tongue: The tongue is slightly lower and sitting in the middle of your mouth.
Examples: Ship, Sit, It, Fit.
I have an American friend. In everyday speech, he does not pronounce the "th" at all. He pronounces "clothes" exactly like the verb "close" (as in, "Please close the door").
Phonetic: /kloʊz/
That's a nice tip!