There is no doubt that one of the most difficult things about learning English (especially for native Spanish speakers) is the pronunciation. English words are not generally spelled phonetically and,  in terms of pronunciation,  there are more sounds and peculiarities in English than in other languages such as Spanish. You can learn some rules on how to pronounce words properly but sometimes it feels like there are no rules at all!

If you want to find out for yourself, we recommend you read this funny poem. It may be a challenge, but we assure you that it will remind you how to pronounce certain words thanks to the rhymes. Why not read it first and then use the video with the audio below to check it out.

And remember, if you would like to improve your English, we suggest joining a language immersion week in Edinburgh. We offer 5 to 7-night stays and also special weekends in the capital of Scotland. A full language immersion is the best way to learn and improve your language skills!

Ration never rhymes with nation,

say prefer, but preferable,

comfortable and vegetable.

B must not be heard in doubt,

debt and dumb both leave it out.

In the words psychology,

psychic, and psychiatry,

you must never sound the P.

Psychiatrist you call the man

who cures the complex, if he can.

In architect, “chi” is K.

In arch it is the other way.

Please remember to say iron

so that it´ll rhyme with lion.

Advertisers advertise,

advertisements will put you wise.

Time when work is done is leisure,

fill it up with useful pleasure.

Accidental, accident,

sound the G in ignorant.

Relative, but relation,

then say creature, but creation.

Say the A in gas quite short,

bought remember rhymes with thwart,

drought must always rhyme with bout,

in daughter leave the “gh” out.

Wear a boot upon your foot.

Root can never rhyme with soot.

In muscle, “sc” is S,

in muscular, it´s “sk” yes!

Choir must always rhyme with wire,

that again will rhyme with liar.

Then remember it´s address.

With an accent like posses.

G in sign must silent be,

in signature, pronounce the G.

Please remember, say towards

just as if it rhymed with boards.

Weight´s like wait, but not like height.

Which should always rhyme with might.

Sew is just the same as so,

tie a ribbon in a bow.

When you meet the queen you bow,

which again must rhyme with how.

In perfect English make a start.

Learn this little rhyme by heart.