Initial TH Words for Speech Therapy

Initial TH Words are words that start with the /TH/ sound, such as think, thing, and thick. This list has 20 initial-position TH words for speech therapy practice, and most children master the /TH/ sound by age 5-7.

TH words at the beginning: think, thing, thick, thin, three, throw, thumb, thunder, the, that — plus 10 more below. Initial position puts the target sound at the very start, which makes it the easiest place to introduce a new sound.

Words:20
Position:Initial

Initial TH Words — Full List (20 Words)

Every word below starts with the /TH/ sound. Work through five at a time rather than the whole list in one sitting.

thinkthingthickthinthreethrowthumbthunderthethatthemthentheretheythisthosethankthiefthirstyThursday
Practice these words with games

How to Practice Initial TH Words at Home

Strategies for practicing the /TH/ sound at the beginning of words.

1

Start by saying the /TH/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "think" as "TH...think".

2

Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /TH/ sound.

3

Practice just the first syllable of each word before saying the whole word. This builds confidence with the sound at the start.

4

Play "I Spy" with objects that start with the /TH/ sound to make practice feel like a game.

5

Read books together and have your child point out words that begin with the /TH/ sound.

Practice Sentences with Initial TH Words

Read these sentences aloud. Words with the /TH/ sound in initial position 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.

Initial TH Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of TH words in the initial position?
This page lists 20 TH words that start with the /TH/ sound, including think, thing, thick, thin, three, throw, thumb, thunder, the, that.
What age should a child master the TH sound?
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.
How do you 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.
What are common TH sound errors?
The most common /TH/ errors are: Substituting /F/ for voiceless /TH/ (e.g., "fink" for "think"); Substituting /D/ for voiced /TH/ (e.g., "dis" for "this"); Substituting /V/ for voiced /TH/ (e.g., "vat" for "that"); Substituting /T/ for voiceless /TH/ (e.g., "tink" for "think"); Not sticking the tongue out far enough between the teeth.
How do you practice initial TH words at home?
Start by saying the /TH/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "think" as "TH...think". Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /TH/ sound.

More TH Word Lists & Resources

Practice the /TH/ sound in the other word positions, or use the full sound guide and word list.

Medial TH Words

20 words with tips

Final TH Words

20 words with tips

TH Sound Guide

How to make it, common errors, FAQ

All TH Words

Complete 60-word list, all positions

Speech Sound Development Chart

What age each sound should appear

Speech Therapy Games

Practice TH words with interactive activities

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