Initial V Words for Speech Therapy

Initial V Words are words that start with the /V/ sound, such as vacuum, valentine, and valley. This list has 20 initial-position V words for speech therapy practice, and most children master the /V/ sound by age 4-5.

V words at the beginning: vacuum, valentine, valley, van, vase, vegetable, vet, vest, video, village — 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 V Words — Full List (20 Words)

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

vacuumvalentinevalleyvanvasevegetablevetvestvideovillagevineviolinvisitvoicevolcanovolleyballvotevulturevioletvictory
Practice these words with games

How to Practice Initial V Words at Home

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

1

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

2

Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /V/ 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 /V/ sound to make practice feel like a game.

5

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

Practice Sentences with Initial V Words

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

Violet drove the van to the valley.

The vet gave the beaver a vitamin every day.

Victor visited the village and ate vegetables.

The violin player lives above the river.

Initial V Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of V words in the initial position?
This page lists 20 V words that start with the /V/ sound, including vacuum, valentine, valley, van, vase, vegetable, vet, vest, video, village.
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 initial V words at home?
Start by saying the /V/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "vacuum" as "V...vacuum". Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /V/ sound.

More V Word Lists & Resources

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

Medial V Words

20 words with tips

Final V Words

20 words with tips

V Sound Guide

How to make it, common errors, FAQ

All V Words

Complete 60-word list, all positions

Speech Sound Development Chart

What age each sound should appear

Speech Therapy Games

Practice V words with interactive activities

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