How to Pronounce Words with '-OUGH' Correctly in English
The letter sequence -ough is legendary among English learners for having at least six completely different pronunciations in modern Standard English.
Watch Real Native Speakers Say These Words
Compare how native speakers naturally articulate these -ough words across real video clips:
• Watch native speakers say though on SayItVid
• Watch native speakers say through on SayItVid
• Watch native speakers say thorough on SayItVid
• Watch native speakers say thought on SayItVid
• Watch native speakers say tough on SayItVid
• Watch native speakers say cough on SayItVid
The 6 Pronunciations of '-OUGH'
Through /θruː/
Rhymes with: blue, too, shoe.
Example: “We walked straight through the tunnel.”
Though / Although /ðoʊ/
Rhymes with: go, slow, show.
Example: “Even though it was raining, they played outside.”
Thought / Bought / Ought /θɔːt/
Rhymes with: caught, taught.
Example: “She thought carefully before answering the interviewer.”
Tough / Rough / Enough /tʌf/
Rhymes with: stuff, buff, cuff.
Example: “It was a tough exam, but he prepared enough.”
Cough /kɒf/
Rhymes with: off, scoff.
Example: “Cover your mouth when you cough.”
Thorough /ˈθɜːr.oʊ/ or /ˈθʌr.ə/
In British English it ends in a schwa /ə/; in American English it ends in /oʊ/.
Example: “The auditor conducted a thorough investigation.”