Final V Words for Speech Therapy

Final V Words are words that end with the /V/ sound, such as above, alive, and brave. This list has 20 final-position V words for speech therapy practice, and most children master the /V/ sound by age 4-5.

V words at the end: above, alive, brave, cave, curve, dive, drive, five, gave, give — plus 10 more below. Final position is where many children drop the sound altogether, so it is worth practicing on its own.

Words:20
Position:Final

Final V Words — Full List (20 Words)

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

abovealivebravecavecurvedivedrivefivegavegiveglovehavehivelivelovemoveolivesaveservewave

How to Practice Final V Words at Home

Strategies for practicing the /V/ sound at the end of words.

1

Have your child hold the /V/ sound slightly longer at the end of the word so they can feel the correct tongue and lip position.

2

Practice the ending sound in isolation first, then add the rest of the word before it. For example, say "...V" then "above".

3

Many children drop the final sound in words. Encourage your child to "finish" every word by exaggerating the ending.

4

Play a sorting game: show your child pictures and have them sort words that end with the /V/ sound versus words that do not.

5

Use rhyming words to reinforce the /V/ ending sound pattern.

Practice Sentences with Final V Words

Read these sentences aloud. Words with the /V/ sound in final position are highlighted.

Seven brave divers dove into the cave.

I love movies about villains and volcanos.

The vet gave the beaver a vitamin every day.

The violin player lives above the river.

We gave five valentines to everyone we love.

Final V Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of V words in the final position?
This page lists 20 V words that end with the /V/ sound, including above, alive, brave, cave, curve, dive, drive, five, gave, give.
What age should a child master the V sound?
Most children master the /V/ sound by age 4-5. It typically develops after /F/ since it requires the same placement plus the added challenge of voicing.
How do you make the V sound?
Place your upper front teeth gently on your lower lip, just like for /F/. Now turn your voice on — you should feel a buzzing vibration in your throat and lips. Blow air through the gap between your teeth and lip while your voice is on. The sound should be a buzzy, humming version of /F/.
What are common V sound errors?
The most common /V/ errors are: Substituting /B/ for /V/ (e.g., "ban" for "van"); Substituting /F/ for /V/ — devoicing (e.g., "fan" for "van"); Not maintaining voicing throughout the sound; Using both lips instead of teeth on lip; Producing the sound too weakly.
How do you practice final V words at home?
Have your child hold the /V/ sound slightly longer at the end of the word so they can feel the correct tongue and lip position. Practice the ending sound in isolation first, then add the rest of the word before it. For example, say "...V" then "above".

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