The “sh” sound is a quiet, hissing sound, technically known as a voiceless fricative. It’s a very common sound in English, and mastering it is key to both understanding and being understood.
Learning words containing the “sh” sound — the “sh word list,” if you will — is a great way to build your vocabulary. Learning vocabulary in tandem with phonetics and spellings can help you improve your memory and pronunciation skills.
This article will help you master the “sh” sound, offer lists of words that start with “sh” and contain “sh,” and point you to additional resources to continue your learning.
Understanding the “Sh” Sound
The “sh” sound is a type of speech sound called a voiceless fricative. Let’s break that down.
Phonetic Description of the “Sh” Sound
To make the “sh” sound, your vocal cords don’t vibrate (that’s what “voiceless” means). A fricative is a sound you make by forcing air through a narrow channel.
Here’s how to make the “sh” sound correctly:
- Round your lips slightly.
- Raise the middle of your tongue toward the roof of your mouth.
- Force air between your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
Typical Development and Common Errors
Most children are able to produce the “sh” sound correctly by the time they’re five years old. Before that, it’s normal for them to make some mistakes.
Two common errors are substituting the “s” sound for the “sh” sound, or the “t” sound for the “sh” sound. For example, they might say “see” instead of “she,” or “tee” instead of “she.”
“Sh” Word Lists for Practice
If you’re trying to improve your pronunciation of the “sh” sound, here are some word lists to help you practice. I’ve broken them down by where the “sh” sound appears in the word: at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end.
Initial “Sh” Words
Here are some nouns that start with the “sh” sound:
- shoe
- ship
- shadow
- shell
Here are some verbs that start with the “sh” sound:
- shave
- shine
- shatter
- share
Here are some adjectives that start with the “sh” sound:
- sharp
- shady
- shallow
- shiny
Medial “Sh” Words
These words have the “sh” sound in the middle:
- cushion
- fashion
- pushing
- washing
Final “Sh” Words
These words end with the “sh” sound:
- brush
- fish
- push
- wash
Phrasal Verbs with “Sh”
Here are some examples of phrasal verbs that include “sh”:
- shrug off
- shape up
- shell out
Using “Sh” Words for Speech Therapy
If you or your child are learning to say the “sh” sound, remember that consistent practice is key. Practice saying the sound in words, sentences, and even conversation can help improve your pronunciation and boost your confidence.
Use the “sh” word lists provided above to practice the sound at the beginning, middle, and end of words.
When to Seek Professional Help
Speech therapy is highly recommended for anyone who is struggling with the “sh” sound. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can evaluate your pronunciation and come up with a customized plan to help you improve.
If you have concerns about your or your child’s speech, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a qualified professional.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article helped you understand the “sh” sound, how to pronounce it, and how to practice it!
Keep working on your English pronunciation and exploring all the nuances of the language. If you’re struggling, remember that many resources and professional help are available to you.