The /TH/Sound: Speech Therapy Guide & Practice Games

The /TH/ sound has two versions: the voiceless /TH/ (as in "think" and "bath") and the voiced /TH/ (as in "this" and "the"). Both are produced by placing the tongue between or just behind the upper front teeth and letting air flow over the tongue. These are among the most commonly misarticulated sounds in English.

calendar_monthAge of mastery:5-7
trending_upFrequency:Very Common
sports_esportsGames available:8
record_voice_over

How to Make the /TH/ Sound

Stick the tip of your tongue out slightly between your upper and lower front teeth (or place it just behind the upper teeth). For the voiceless /TH/ (as in "think"), blow air gently over the tongue without using your voice. For the voiced /TH/ (as in "this"), do the same but turn your voice on — you should feel a vibration in your throat.

IPA Symbol: /θ/ and /ð/

Most children master the voiceless /TH/ (as in "think") by age 5-7 and the voiced /TH/ (as in "this") by age 5-7 as well. It is common for children to substitute /F/ or /D/ for /TH/ during early development.

Common /TH/ Sound Errors

  • error_outlineSubstituting /F/ for voiceless /TH/ (e.g., "fink" for "think")
  • error_outlineSubstituting /D/ for voiced /TH/ (e.g., "dis" for "this")
  • error_outlineSubstituting /V/ for voiced /TH/ (e.g., "vat" for "that")
  • error_outlineSubstituting /T/ for voiceless /TH/ (e.g., "tink" for "think")
  • error_outlineNot sticking the tongue out far enough between the teeth
list_alt

/TH/ Word Lists by Position

Practice these words organized by where the /TH/ sound appears. Start with the position your child finds easiest.

Initial Position

/TH/ at the beginning of words

thinkthingthickthinthreethrowthumbthunderthethatthemthentheretheythisthosethankthiefthirstyThursday

Medial Position

/TH/ in the middle of words

bathingbirthdaybrotherclothingfeatherfathergatherleathermathmothernothingpantherpythonsomethingtoothbrushweatherworthyathletebathrobeanything

Final Position

/TH/ at the end of words

bathbothbreathclothearthmathmonthmouthnorthpathsmoothsouthteethtoothtruthwithbeneathgrowthhealthwreath
sports_esportsPractice these words with our games
tips_and_updates

Tips for Practicing the /TH/ Sound at Home

Evidence-based strategies parents can use to support /TH/ sound practice.

1

Show your child how to stick their tongue tip out between their teeth using a mirror. They should be able to see the tongue tip.

2

Use the cue "bite your tongue gently" — have your child place their tongue between their teeth and gently bite down before blowing air.

3

Practice the difference between /TH/ and /F/ by comparing tongue placement: tongue between teeth for /TH/, teeth on lower lip for /F/.

4

For the voiced /TH/, have your child place a hand on their throat to feel the vibration, distinguishing it from the voiceless version.

5

Start with the voiceless /TH/ ("think") as it is typically easier, then move to the voiced /TH/ ("the").

6

Use a feather or tissue in front of the mouth — the airflow for /TH/ should make it flutter gently.

7

Read books together and have your child practice /TH/ words as they appear naturally in the story.

format_quote

Practice Sentences for the /TH/ Sound

Read these sentences aloud with your child. Words containing the /TH/ sound are highlighted.

I think there are three birds on that branch.

My brother took a bath on Thursday.

This is the path that leads to the north.

Thank you for the birthday gift, Mother.

The athlete ran through thick and thin weather.

They threw the ball beneath the oak tree.

Both of them had healthy teeth after brushing.

The thirsty panther drank from the smooth stream.

sports_esports

Games for the /TH/ Sound

Practice the /TH/ sound with interactive games designed by speech pathologists.

bubble_chart

Bubble Pop

/TH/ practice

grid_view

Memory Match

/TH/ practice

directions_run

Word Runner

/TH/ practice

local_pizza

Pizza Builder

/TH/ practice

rocket_launch

Space Blaster

/TH/ practice

phishing

Sound Fishing

/TH/ practice

pest_control

Whack-a-Word

/TH/ practice

auto_stories

Story Adventure

/TH/ practice

Play games for the /TH/ sound
help_outline

Frequently Asked Questions About the /TH/ Sound

Common questions parents ask about the /TH/ sound in speech therapy.

When should my child be able to say the /TH/ sound?expand_more
Most children master both voiced and voiceless /TH/ between ages 5 and 7. It is one of the later-developing sounds, so substitutions like /F/ or /D/ for /TH/ are normal in younger children.
What is the difference between voiced and voiceless TH?expand_more
The voiceless /TH/ (as in "think," "bath," "three") is produced without vocal cord vibration. The voiced /TH/ (as in "this," "the," "mother") uses the same tongue position but with the vocal cords vibrating. You can feel the difference by placing a hand on your throat.
My child says /F/ instead of /TH/. How do I help?expand_more
This is a very common substitution. The key difference is tongue placement: for /TH/, the tongue tip goes between the teeth, while for /F/, the upper teeth rest on the lower lip. Use a mirror to show this difference and practice tongue placement without sound first, then add airflow.
Is the /TH/ substitution a sign of a speech disorder?expand_more
Not necessarily. Substituting /F/, /D/, or /V/ for /TH/ is a normal part of speech development in children under 5-6. However, if the substitution persists past age 7 or affects your child's ability to be understood, an evaluation is recommended.
Do children who speak other languages have more trouble with /TH/?expand_more
Yes, the /TH/ sound is relatively rare across world languages. Children who are bilingual or who speak languages without /TH/ (such as Spanish, French, or German) may take longer to master this sound in English. This is a normal bilingual development pattern, not a disorder.

Related Sounds

/F/

F Sound

View guide

/V/

V Sound

View guide

/S/

S Sound

View guide

Ready to practice the /TH/ sound?

Join SpeechTherapyMagic for interactive games, AI-generated stories, and smart flashcards targeting the /TH/ sound.

Get Started Free