These pairs differ by only one diphthong sound, helping learners hear and produce contrasts clearly.
| Pair | IPA | Diphthong Contrast |
|---|---|---|
| bit / bite | /bɪt/ vs. /baɪt/ | /ɪ/ vs. /aɪ/ |
| bet / bait | /bɛt/ vs. /beɪt/ | /ɛ/ vs. /eɪ/ |
| not / note | /nɑt/ vs. /noʊt/ | /ɑ/ vs. /oʊ/ |
| cut / coat | /kʌt/ vs. /koʊt/ | /ʌ/ vs. /oʊ/ |
| pan / pain | /pæn/ vs. /peɪn/ | /æ/ vs. /eɪ/ |
| hop / hope | /hɑp/ vs. /hoʊp/ | /ɑ/ vs. /oʊ/ |
| ban / bone | /bæn/ vs. /boʊn/ | /æ/ vs. /oʊ/ |
| cot / kite | /kɑt/ vs. /kaɪt/ | /ɑ/ vs. /aɪ/ |
| down / dawn | /daʊn/ vs. /dɔn/ | /aʊ/ vs. /ɔ/ |
| boil / ball | /bɔɪl/ vs. /bɔl/ | /ɔɪ/ vs. /ɔ/ |