Vowels 6 and 20, /ɒ/ versus /ʊə/    8 pairs
[godgourd.html]

The /ɒ/ vowel is spelled <o>. The /ʊə/ diphthong is spelled <oor> or <our>.

This contrast is between a short vowel and a diphthong. The starting positions are close and there is some potential for confusion, but there are so few minimal pairs that it is not a problem for learners.


Bonn bourn
boss bourse
  bosses bourses
Dolly dourly
god gourd
  gods gourds
Mod moored
Polly poorly

John Higgins, Shaftesbury, November 2009
updated Chiang Mai, 2025