this confusing word pair is a common mistake of most ESL speakers

the words are taught

the past tense of to teach and

thought

the past tense of to think

to say these words correctly focus on the initial consonant sounds T

and TH

the ending of each word UGHT is pronounced the same

even though they are spelled differently

to say taught

start by saying T by

placing your tongue behind your top teeth

add the short and open AH sound

end with a T by placing your tongue behind your top teeth

taught

to say thought

start by saying TH by placing your tongue between your teeth and keep the air moving

add the short and open

AH sound

end with a T by placing your tongue

behind your top teeth

thought

let's try it

taught

taught

taught

thought

thought

thought

taught thought

I thought that you taught the class.

try it. people will notice the difference