Question

In the words pin [phin] and spin [spin], the [ph] and [p] sounds are:

• A. Different phonemes
• B. Allophones of the same phoneme
• C. Voiced and voiceless consonants
• D. Minimal pairs of sounds

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Allophones of the same phoneme

• In English, the /p/ sound can be pronounced differently depending on its position in a word, but these variations don’t change the meaning — that's the key!

• In "pin" [phin], the [p] is aspirated, meaning it's pronounced with a puff of air — [pʰ].

• In "spin" [spin], the [p] is unaspirated — no strong puff of air.