How to Pronounce W in a British Accent: A Clear Guide to Mastering RP
Do you struggle with pronouncing the /w/ sound in a British accent?
This guide will help you master the W sound in the Standard Southern British English accent (a modern version of Received Pronunciation, or RP). Whether you’re learning English or refining your speaking skills, you’ll learn exactly how to position your lips, avoid common mistakes, and sound more natural.
What Is the W Sound in a British Accent?
In RP, the /w/ sound is:
Rounded and voiced – your lips form a tight circle, and your vocal cords vibrate.
Made with the tongue tip resting lightly behind the bottom teeth.
A smooth transition into the next vowel sound.
Pro Tip: Think of the lip shape you use to whistle or say “oo” in zoo, then relax slightly into the W sound.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Touching the upper teeth with your lower lip (this creates a /v/ sound).
Fix: Keep the lips rounded and ensure no contact with the upper teeth.
Not engaging the voice (this creates a weak or breathy W).
Fix: Place your fingers on your throat and feel the vibration as you say “we, was, will.”
Surprising W Spellings in British English
The W sound often appears in unexpected places:
qu- words: queen, quick, quote
o- words: once, one
ch- words: choir (in older RP speech)
Always check the dictionary’s phonetic transcription to confirm whether a W sound is present.
IPA Symbol for W
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbol for the W sound is: /w/
This symbol appears in dictionary transcriptions and is key for mastering pronunciation.
Practice Sentences for the W Sound
Use these sentences to refine your RP pronunciation. You can listen and repeat with the video below.
Winter winds whistled through the wild and wide Fenland of the Wash.
Why would anyone want a world where leaders wage war without irrefutable reason?
She is a wise and wilful young woman who won’t take no without a fight.
William never wants to come with me to watch a film. He’s a bookworm. A wordy type.
Say them slowly at first, then build speed while keeping lips rounded and voice engaged.
FAQs: How to Pronounce W in a British Accent
What is the difference between W and V in British English?
W uses rounded lips with no contact between the lips and teeth, while V requires the lower lip to touch the upper teeth.
Why does my W sound like V?
This happens when the lower lip touches the upper teeth. Focus on rounding your lips and keeping them away from the teeth.
Do all British accents pronounce W the same way?
No. While RP uses a rounded /w/, some speakers of other accents merge W and V sounds.
How can I practise the W sound daily?
Use minimal pairs like wine/vine and west/vest to train your lips and ears. Record yourself and compare with native speakers.
Want to Master Every British English Sound?
If you’re serious about refining your pronunciation, my comprehensive ebook “British English Pronunciation Roadmap” is a great place to start. It covers every sound in Standard Southern British English and comes with 12 hours of audio for practice.
Discover the ebook here
Final Thoughts: Refine Your British W for Clearer Speech
The /w/ sound is subtle but crucial for natural British English pronunciation. With consistent practice and awareness of lip and tongue placement, you can develop a confident and authentic accent.
Ashley Howard is a UK-based voice coach with 18+ years of experience helping professionals and individuals develop clear, authentic, and confident communication.