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B and P are made with the lips closed. B is a soft sound. P is a stronger sound with the air pushing out. In everyday speech, the difference is slight. Usually, B or P will be understood based on the context or overall meaning.

For most people, the difference between B and P is most noticeable as the first or last letter of a common word. Use the word lists below to practice making two distinct sounds.

The Words

Practice Reading each word pair. Make sure your B’s and P’s are different.

Practice Tip: You can also use this list repeatedly with an instructor. Your instructor writes down a list of answers, then speaks the words to you. You write your answers and see if they match. You can also reverse this to check your pronunciation: you write down a set of answers, then speak, and see if your instructor was able to hear you correctly.

Answers: 1. A. big, 2. A. bent, 3. B. pin, 4. A. bill, 5. B. pest, 6. B. pay, 7. B. pear, 8. A. robe, 9. B. rip, 10. A. mob, 11. A. cab, 12. B. gap, 13. B. power, 14. A. brick, 15. B. plight, 16. A. blank, 17. B. plush, 18. A. bound, 19. A. breach, 20. B. prim