We're continuing our mini series today on  heteronyms: words that are spelled the same  

but with a different pronunciation  and a different meaning.

Our word today is excuse which is the  noun meaning a reason or an explanation; 

and excuse meaning to let  someone off for what they did.

To say these words correctly you're  going to start with the same syllable  

eks. To do this you're going to start with that eh  vowel, that short e. The tip of your tongue will  

just be visible between your top and your bottom  teeth, and your tongue will be flat in your mouth.

Next we're going to add that k. Tip of the tongue  is down, back of the tongue is pulled way high up.  

Then for the s you can either keep your tongue  pointed down or you can put it behind your top  

front teeth, as long as you do not touch your  teeth, and the air keeps moving out of the mouth.

eks eks eks

Next we're going to add another k.  

You know how to do that, tip of your tongue  down back of your tongue is pulled high up,  

and then you are going to add that 'y' sound. So  all that I do is my tongue is high in the back  

of my mouth for that k and the tip of the tongue  is down my tongue moves slightly up for that 'y'.

Then you're going to round your lips  for that ew as you do that your tongue  

will just flatten out in your mouth for  the noun you're going to end with an s.

And to do this, tip of the tongue is down, or  it is behind the top front teeth and the air is  

moving out of the mouth. The voice box is off. It  is not vibrating and it is not moving. eks k-yous

excuse excuse excuse

Now for excuse. All you're going to do is  end with a z. That's the difference here.  

And for that your voice box  is on vibrating and moving.

excuse excuse excuse excuse excuse excuse excuse

And now for a sentence:

The excuse does not excuse the bad behavior.

Give it a try people are going to notice  the difference. If you found this helpful  

please share us with your friends  and give us a like. If you need help  

check out our products and  classes at Tarle speech!

Thanks so much everyone have a great weekend!