Minimal Pairs

By Christopher Benum

Minimal pairs are sets of words that differ in only one sound.

In addition to minimal-pairs, there are near-minimal pairs, which are also often confused.

Minimal Pairs – Nouns

tire – tiger

pepper – paper

Minimal Pairs – Verbs

tap – top

stack – stock

Near-Minimal Pairs

teacher – T-shirt (Spanish speakers)

kitchen – chicken (

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