Pronunciation · Minimal pairs · medium functional load
/ɒ/ vs /ɔː/: shot vs short
In short
In British English the short /ɒ/ and the long /ɔː/ separate spot/sport, cot/caught and pot/port. The written r in many /ɔː/ words is silent in RP; only the vowel length changes. This contrast carries a MEDIUM functional load, the contrast separates a fair number of word pairs, so it is worth systematic practice once the high-load contrasts are stable.
How to hear (and make) the difference
Both are rounded and at the back, but /ɔː/ is longer and closer, with firmer lip rounding. Count silently to two while holding the vowel in 'short'.
Most challenging for Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Indonesian speakers.
7 minimal pairs with audio
- shotʃɒtshortʃɔːt
- spotspɒtsportspɔːt
- cotkɒtcaughtkɔːt
- potpɒtportpɔːt
- codkɒdcordkɔːd
- stockstɒkstalkstɔːk
- dondɒndawndɔːn
Test your ear
Listening drill
/ɒ/ vs /ɔː/: shot vs short
Both are rounded and at the back, but /ɔː/ is longer and closer, with firmer lip rounding. Count silently to two while holding the vowel in 'short'.
The contrast in sentences
That was a great shot.
That was a great short.
I found a spot on TV.
I found a sport on TV.
Keep exploring
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between shot and short?
shot /ʃɒt/ uses the /ɒ/ sound while short /ʃɔːt/ uses /ɔː/. Both are rounded and at the back, but /ɔː/ is longer and closer, with firmer lip rounding. Count silently to two while holding the vowel in 'short'.
Which learners find the /ɒ/ vs /ɔː/ contrast hardest?
It is most challenging for Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Indonesian speakers, whose first languages don't separate these two sounds.