british speech

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How to Speak in a British Accent

Last Updated: February 27, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been viewed 6,604,527 times.

This article focuses on "Received Pronunciation" (RP), the stereotypical British accent mainly spoken in the south of England, and exaggerated by the upper classes, sometimes described as "the King's English". [1] X Research source There are greatly differing accents across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and for a more regional or "authentic" accent, it's best to choose one particular area, and try to learn how to mimic that accent instead. Adopting British mannerisms while speaking will also help for authenticity. This study of RP is concerned largely with pronunciation, while study of the standard language is also concerned with matters such as correct grammar, more formal vocabulary and style.

• In American English, words ending with "rl" or "rel" can be pronounced using either one or two syllables, completely interchangeably. This is not the case in British English. "-rl" words like "girl", "hurl", etc., are pronounced as one syllable with silent R, while "squirrel" is "squih-rul", and "referral" is "re-fer-rul".
• Some words are easier to say in a British accent. For example, mirror, which sounds like "mih-ra". Do not say "mirror" like a "mere"; British people almost never do that.
• Some awkward pauses in sentences are also removed by the addition of "r" before a vowel. For example, "I saw it" becomes "I saw-rit", to avoid the pause between the words 'saw' and 'it'. Another example is "Bacteria are small", pronounced "Bacteria-rar-small".

Heavy consonants

• The words human being are pronounced hewman being or yooman been in certain areas, though it could be pronounced hewman bee-in .

• People with Estuary English, RP, Scottish, Irish and Welsh accents do consider it lazy and rude to drop the T s, and this feature doesn't exist, but in almost all accents it's accepted to do it in the middle of words in casual contexts and almost universal to put a glottal stop at the end of a word.

Listening and copying

• For example, instead of saying, "is he going to the STORE?" Say, "is he GOING to the store?" Have the question descending in tone as opposed to ascending in tone (going up in tone is more common in American or Australian English).

Expert Q&A

• As well as the accent, watch out for British slang words , such as "lads" or "blokes" for boys and men, "birds" or "lasses" (the latter particularly popular in the north of England and in Scotland) for women. The word "loo" means toilet, but "bathroom" is a room in which you would have a bath. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• A formal British accent can be heard on BBC news. Formal British speech is more deliberate and articulated than American, but as with newsreaders everywhere, this effect is deliberately exaggerated for television and radio broadcast.
• You can also watch British YouTubers. There are a lot to choose from: AmazingPhil, danisnotonfire, Zoella, The Sidemen, DanTDM, and many more.

Tips from our Readers

• Listen to celebrities who are known for their British accent, like Joanne Lumley and Dame Judi Dench. Or, watch shows that showcase the British accent, like Downtown Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs.
• Practice speaking in a British accent whenever you can, whether you're talking to yourself at home or chatting with friends and family.
• One of the best ways to sound British and nail the accent is to pronounce every letter and speak clearly.

• Don’t forget that some people might be offended by you imitating their accent. Even if you don’t mean to be rude, they could still take it the wrong way and think you’re mocking them. Thanks Helpful 84 Not Helpful 5
• Don't be overconfident that you do a good British accent . It is rare to find an imitation that sounds genuine to the native ear. Thanks Helpful 61 Not Helpful 3
• Don't think that you'll get it right quickly. It is likely that any true British person will know that you're faking it straight away, but it might pass for a real accent to non-Brits. Thanks Helpful 60 Not Helpful 5

Things You'll Need

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsTHaCz3Vow
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZhKhqj02ZQ
• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/blog/better-accent
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio

About This Article

To speak in a British accent, try listening to British music and British radio stations to pick up on the way common words are pronounced. You can also watch British news channels, like the BBC, to get an idea of how British people speak. Also, try watching movies with British characters and repeating their lines out loud to practice your accent. If you know someone with a British accent, ask them to say different words out loud so you can learn how to pronounce them. To learn how to pronounce different words and letters using a British accent, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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They Spouted Hate Online. Then They Were Arrested.

As hundreds of people appear in court for their role in recent anti-immigrant riots in Britain, several are accused of fueling disorder through online posts, raising questions about the limits of free speech.

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By Mark Landler

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A 53-year-old woman from northwest England was jailed for 15 months after posting on Facebook that a mosque should be blown up “with the adults inside.” A 45-year-old man was sentenced to 20 months for goading his online followers to torch a hotel that houses refugees. A 55-year-old woman was questioned by the police for a viral post that wrongly identified the suspect in a deadly knife attack at a children’s dance class.

These and other people are accused of being “keyboard warriors,” in the words of one British judge, exploiting social media to stir up the anti-immigrant riots that exploded after the suspect was arrested in the fatal stabbings of three young girls at the dance class, in the town of Southport. Their cases have now become examples in a politically charged debate over the limits of free speech in Britain.

With the courts handing down harsh sentences to hundreds who took part in the violent unrest, and calls for the government to strengthen regulation of online content, some argue that the authorities risk going too far. Not only are judges locking up far-right rioters , these critics say, but they are also opening the door to a broader crackdown on speech.

The noisiest critiques have come from Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, once known as Twitter. After far-right groups used his platform to spread disinformation about the attack and foment the violent disorder that followed, Mr. Musk waded into the debate, claiming that civil war “is inevitable” in Britain and attacking Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“The U.K. is turning into a police state,” Mr. Musk posted on Monday, referring to an emergency plan activated by the government to ease pressure on chronically overcrowded jails, under which defendants can be held longer in police cells until space opens in prisons.

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Curb hate speech after riots, UN committee urges Britain

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Rights experts urge United Kingdom to curb hate speech

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The United Kingdom must take action to curb racist hate speech and xenophobic rhetoric, a UN human rights body said on Friday, following recent riots that rocked the country.  

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racism (CERD) voiced concern over persistent hate crimes, hate speech and xenophobic incidents on various platforms, including by politicians and public figures.

It was particularly concerned about recurring racist acts and violence by extremist far-right and white supremacist individuals and groups targeting ethnic and ethno-religious minorities, migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers.

Southport stabbing attack

This includes violent acts committed in late July and early August this year when riots broke out across the UK following a stabbing attack at a dance class in Southport that left three young girls dead and 10 other people injured.

The unrest was fuelled by disinformation shared on social media about the suspect.

In calling for action, the UN Committee urged the UK authorities to implement comprehensive measures to curb racist hate speech and xenophobic rhetoric, including on the part of political and public figures. 

Members emphasized the need for thorough investigations and strict penalties for racist hate crimes, and effective remedies for the victims and their families.

According to news reports, British courts have handed down hundreds of sentences to those who took part in the unrest, including to some who fueled the disorder through online posts. 

Police target ethnic minorities

The Committee also expressed concern about the disproportionate impact of police stop-and-search practices, including strip searches, on ethnic minorities, especially children. 

It also raised alarm over the use of excessive and deadly force by law enforcement, lack of accountability, and inadequate support for victims' families, all of which disproportionately affect people of African descent and other ethnic minorities.

Concerns surrounding institutional racism within policing and the criminal justice system were also highlighted.

Investigate racial profiling

The Committee urged the UK to set up an independent complaint mechanism to investigate allegations of racial profiling, stop-and-search practices, strip searches, and excessive use of force by the police. 

Furthermore, perpetrators should be prosecuted and punished, and victims and their families should have access to effective remedies. 

Additionally, decisive action to eliminate racial discrimination within policing and the criminal justice system, must be taken.

About the Committee

The Committee published its findings on the UK after concluding a four-year review of the country, alongside seven other nations including Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Venezuela.

The 18 international experts appointed to the Committee receive their mandates from the UN Human Rights Council , which is located in Geneva.

They are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.  

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41 British Phrases and Expressions

Slang words and colloquial (informal) expressions are how English speakers talk to each other in daily life.

And if you would like to speak like a native English speaker, it is a good idea to get to know some of these colorful inventions.

In this post, we will teach you 41 common British phrases and expressions you can use in casual conversation !

1. Just popping out

3. take the tube, 4. bob’s your uncle, 5. bodge something, 6. over-egg the pudding, 7. butcher’s hook, 8. spend a penny, 9. i was gobsmacked, 10. it’s all gone pear-shaped, 11. she’s a sandwich short of a picnic, 12. he’s mad / he’s crackers, 13. have a chinwag, 14. what a chav, 15. that’s smashing / that’s ace, 16. i’ll ring you / give you a ring, 17. have a fag, 18. he’s so gobby, 19. oh, she’s whinging on, 20. taking the piss, 21. the bee’s knees, 22. don’t get your knickers in a twist, 23. a curtain twitcher, 24. it’s raining cats and dogs, 25. fancy a cuppa, 26. it’s not my cup of tea, 27. take the mickey, 28. you look smart, 29. that’s dench, 30. stop faffing, 31. come over to my gaff, 32. dapper geezer, 34. it was chockablock, 35. quids in, 36. to be smarmy, 38. pea-souper, 40. take a brolly, 41. it’s minging, and one more thing....

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Meaning: To leave quickly 

One of the definitions of the word “pop” is to move quickly or suddenly. So, the English phrase “just popping out” usually refers to leaving a place or a room with the intention of quickly returning. It is another way of saying that you will be back soon.

Usually, this expression is used without the verb “be.” This means that people do not generally add the phrase “I am” before the expression.

Just popping out to get the groceries.

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Meaning: To take the subway train 

When someone in England, especially in London, takes the subway train to go somewhere, they usually use this expression. Since the subway is totally underground in London, it looks like a network of tubes.

I prefer taking the Tube to go to work every day. I avoid the morning traffic that way.

Meaning: It’s done 

“Bob’s your uncle” is used at the end of a set of instructions that are very easy to follow. Although it might sound quite confusing, it means the same thing as other common phrases like “as easy as a pie” or “you are done.”

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To make instant noodles, just add hot water and Bob’s your uncle, they are ready.

Meaning: To make a mistake 

To “bodge something” is to make a mistake or do something badly. It has a similar meaning to making a mess of something. This expression is generally used in the context of trying to repair something.

I think the plumber bodged the pipes in the sink.

Meaning: To make something worse by overdoing it 

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To “over-egg the pudding” is to overdo something with the intent of making it better. It ultimately harms the end result.

The expression comes from baking, where if you put too many eggs in a pudding, it will be ruined.

Do not over-egg your pudding by using too many big words in your essay.

Meaning: To look

“Butcher’s hook” is just another way to tell someone to look. It is considered Cockney slang and uses rhyming words to create a unique expression. In other words, “butcher’s hook” is used as an expression for “look” because the word “hook” rhymes with “look.”

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I will have a butcher’s hook around the market and see if I can find some nice curtains.

Meaning: To go to the toilet

This is a polite or indirect way to tell someone that you need to use the toilet.

In the nineteenth century, people needed to give a penny to use public washrooms in England. This expression refers to that time.

Excuse me for a moment; I just need to spend a penny.

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Meaning: To be shocked or astonished

“Gob” is the informal word for mouth, and “smack” means to hit something with your hand.

So, the word “gobsmacked” literally means to be hit in the mouth. It is used to describe someone who is so surprised that it looks like someone hit them.

I was gobsmacked when I found out that I lost my job.

Meaning: When something has gone wrong or turned out badly

This phrase likely originated from the idea of a fruit turning pear-shaped when it spoils or rots. That’s why Brits use it to describe something that was supposed to be perfect turned out badly.

Our weekend trip was supposed to be fun, but it’s all gone pear-shaped with this awful weather.

Meaning: Someone who is not very intelligent or sensible

This funny British expression suggests that someone is not quite complete or lacks something essential for a successful outing, much like a picnic missing a sandwich.

I tried explaining the directions to her three times, but she’s a sandwich short of a picnic.

Meaning: Someone who is crazy or irrational.

“Mad” is a straightforward term for insanity, while “crackers” refers to the crackling sound made by someone who has lost their sanity.

James wants to swim in the freezing lake? He’s mad!

Meaning: To have a chat or conversation.

“Chinwag” combines “chin,” referring to a face-to-face conversation, and “wag,” meaning a brisk or lively exchange. It’s a colloquial way of suggesting a friendly chat.

Let’s sit down and have a chinwag over a cup of tea.

Meaning: A mean term for someone who is seen as lower class or uncultured

A chav is what the Brits call a “low class” individual.

Did you see his tracksuit? What a chav.

Meaning: That’s excellent or fantastic

“Smashing” originates from the idea of something being so good it’s as if it’s been smashed into pieces in a positive sense.

“Ace” is the word used when something is brilliant or someone performs very well, usually on a test or evaluation.

Your presentation was smashing, everyone loved it!

You aced that interview!

Meaning: I’ll call you

In the days of landline telephones, ringing someone meant literally making their phone ring by calling them. Even though the technology has changed, the phrase has stuck.

I’ll ring you tomorrow to discuss our plans for the weekend.

Meaning: To smoke a cigarette.

“Fag” originally referred to a tedious task, and in the context of smoking, it’s believed to come from British public schools where younger students would do menial tasks for older ones, including lighting their cigarettes.

After a long day at work, I usually have a fag to relax.

Meaning: Someone who talks too much or is mouthy

“Gob” refers to the mouth, so being “gobby” implies someone who is always flapping their gums or speaking out of turn.

He never stops talking, he’s so gobby!

Meaning: Complaining in a persistent or irritating manner

“Whinge” comes from an Old English word meaning to whine or complain. Adding “on” emphasizes the continuation of the behavior, suggesting a persistent and annoying complaint.

She’s been whinging on about her sore feet all day.

Meaning: Mocking or making fun of someone

This phrase likely originated in British slang in the mid-20th century, where “taking” refers to making, and “piss” refers to urine, implying making someone urinate uncontrollably with laughter.

Are you serious, or are you just taking the piss?

Meaning: Something excellent or outstanding

This phrase emerged in the 1920s during the jazz age and flapper era. It’s a play on words, with “bee’s knees” being a humorous and nonsensical way to describe something as outstanding or of high quality.

This new restaurant is the bee’s knees, you have to try it!

Meaning: Don’t get upset or agitated

“Knickers” are British slang for underwear, and “twist” implies becoming tangled or upset. So, the phrase advises someone not to let themselves get unnecessarily worked up over something.

Relax, don’t get your knickers in a twist, it’s just a joke.

Meaning: Someone who is nosy or spies on their neighbors

In small British communities, it was common for nosy neighbors to peek through their curtains to observe the goings-on of others, hence the term “curtain twitcher.”

She’s always watching from her window, such a curtain twitcher.

Meaning: It’s raining heavily

The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but one theory suggests that in 17th-century England, heavy rain would flood the streets, washing away debris and even small animals, giving the appearance of it raining cats and dogs.

We can’t go out for a walk, it’s raining cats and dogs out there!

Meaning: Would you like a cup of tea?

“Cuppa” is a shortened form of “cup of tea,” and asking if someone “fancies” it is an invitation in British English. Tea is a staple in British culture, making this phrase ubiquitous in social settings.

It’s chilly outside, fancy a cuppa to warm up?

Meaning: Something that you don’t particularly like or enjoy

This phrase likely originates from the British love of tea. Just as everyone has their own preference for tea, everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

I tried watching that TV show, but it’s not my cup of tea.

Meaning: To mock or tease someone

“Mickey” is thought to be derived from “Mickey Bliss,” rhyming slang for “piss.” So, “taking the Mickey” implies making fun of someone or taking liberties with them.

He’s just taking the Mickey, don’t let it bother you.

Meaning: You look well-dressed or stylish.

“Smart” originally meant well-dressed or elegant in appearance. Over time, it has come to mean both physically well-presented and intelligent.

Heading to the party? You look smart in that suit!

Meaning: Something good or agreeable

This is an adjective that is used when something is seen as good or agreeable. It is similar to expressions like “cool” and “awesome.”

This word was popularized by the British artist Lethal Bizzle . He created the word while playing video games with his cousin.

That is a dench coat.

Meaning: Stop wasting time

When someone spends a lot of time doing very little work, it is called faffing. It comes from the older English word “faffle,” which means to flap around in the wind.

It is used when someone is wasting their time or only pretending to work.

Stop faffing around and start doing your homework.

Meaning: Come over to my home

Gaff is just a synonym for “home.” Although it might sound quite similar to gaffe, its meaning is completely different. A gaffe is another word for “mistake” or “blunder.”

In formal English, gaff can also mean a stick with a hook that is used to kill large fish. So, the context of the word largely determines its meaning.

Come over to my gaff; we are having a party there.

Meaning: A well-dressed man

A “geezer” or “dapper geezer” is a man who is well-dressed in formal clothes. These men usually wear suits and are quite fashion-conscious.

The term comes from the old English word “guiser.”

However, in informal American English, geezer means “odd” or “crazy” and is usually used to refer to old men.

This shirt makes you look like a proper geezer!

Meaning: Isn’t it?

This is another version of the phrase “isn’t it.” It is commonly used to show agreement rather than to genuinely ask a question.

This place is much better than the last one, innit?

Meaning: Crowded or full

This word is used when some place or thing is extremely crowded or full.

It is sometimes shortened to “chocka.”

The suitcase was chockablock with clothes.

Meaning: Making money

One pound is often called a “quid” in the United Kingdom. So, “quids in” means that someone has made money—usually more than what they expected—from something.

It can also generally mean that someone is in a position of advantage in a situation.

I will be quids in if I get that promotion next month.

Meaning: To be insincere or fake

When someone is “smarmy,” he or she is being insincere or fake. It is used for people who are not trustworthy and who make you suspicious of their motives.

Do not talk to him again; he looks smarmy.

Meaning: Stupid or foolish

A person who is not very intelligent or is not very good at his or her job is called a “wally.” This expression is used as an insult.

In Scottish English, “wally” means something that is pleasing or strong.

Do not use a wet cloth to clean your computer, you wally!

Meaning: A thick fog

A “pea-souper” is a thick fog that looks gray or green, like vegetable soup.

This expression became popular around the Industrial Revolution in England when lots of factories burned coal and cities like London were always surrounded by a thick fog of pollution.

I will not be going out today; it is a pea-souper out there.

Meaning: Excitement

Blimey is used to show excitement, surprise or shock.

It comes from the expression “God blind me.” So, “blimey” is used when something so extreme happens that a person wishes that they did not see it.

Blimey! That house just caught fire.

Meaning: Take an umbrella

This is a shorter form of the word “umbrella.”

I always carry a brolly in my bag-pack. You never know when it will start to rain in England.

You can find out more about rhyming Cockney slang by checking out this video by YouTuber iswearenglish:

Meaning: To smell bad

It means that something is unpleasant. Most commonly people use the word “minging” to describe something that smells bad. 

You’re minging! Go and take a shower.

While all of these expressions may sound fun and interesting, learners should always be careful when using them. Some slang words have many uses, while others can sound quite similar to each other but have completely different meanings.

The best way to make your speech sound natural is to listen to native speakers and see how they use these expressions. Try watching some British TV shows or use a language learning program for extra support. 

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

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Learning directly from native speakers is the best way to become an advanced English speaker . And, as with everything else, practice makes perfect!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

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Text to Speech in British English

Stop wasting time and money on recordings! ReadSpeaker’s AI can turn your text into natural-sounding British English voices, tailored for your company or organization.

Select your options below to hear samples of ReadSpeaker's TTS voices

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Terms of Service - This demo is for evaluation purpose only; commercial use is strictly forbidden. No static audio files may be produced, downloaded, or distributed. The background music in the voice demo is not included with the purchased product.

What you can do with British English AI Voices

With our British English AI voice generator, you can create any type of audio content. The only limit is imagination!

Why should I use Text to Speech British English?

Using British English text-to-speech technology presents a multitude of advantages, encompassing accessibility enhancements, facilitation of language acquisition, support for multiple languages, and enhancements in time management and efficiency.

• Accessibility

People with vision problems or who struggle to read can listen to text instead.

More engaging

TTS provides both text and speech options, catering to diverse audience preferences and enhancing engagement and comprehension.

Saves time and money

No need to record everything yourself or hire someone – TTS does it automatically.

Scalability and Consistency

Same voice, same message everywhere, which builds trust and makes managing lots of content as your business grows a breeze.

Our British English voices

Bring any speech-enabled application to life with expressive, humanlike British English voices to engage global audiences.

Hello, my name is Alice, I'm one of the voices that you can use to speech enable your website. When I'm reading your text it sounds like this.

1.456 billion

English speakers over the world *

Imagine reaching 1.456 billion potential customers! Text-to-Speech lets you speak their language and boost engagement with captivating audio. Go global. Effortlessly.

Natural-sounding British English text to speech voices

Want to make your text sound English? Our AI voiceover creates clear, natural-sounding speech in British English. Experience the richness of the language, from elegant tones to regional flair.

Dynamic Tone Text-to-Speech

Revolutionize your listening experience with our text-to-speech technology, perfectly interpreting text nuances while dynamically adjusting tone for unparalleled clarity and expressiveness.

Personalized speech

Our custom dictionary solves industry jargon pronunciation issues, including acronyms and abbreviations. The dictionaries are tailored to your specific needs, resulting in the most natural-sounding text-to-speech experience.

Change Pitch and Speed

Create unique vocal tones or effects by experimenting with how fast or slow the voice plays and how high or low it sounds.

Use Silence for Impact

SSML lets you fine-tune how text is spoken by the TTS engine. With SSML active, you can add pauses, customize pronunciations, and switch between voices and languages within the same text.

Explore additional languages

English is just the beginning! Choose from ReadSpeaker’s incredible library of 200 voices in over 50 languages. This vast selection guarantees the perfect voice for any project, anywhere in the world.

British English Text-to-Speech Use Cases

ReadSpeaker’s British English AI Voice Generator lets you transform text into high-quality speech for a variety of applications, both online and offline.

How to create British English AI-powered voices?

Effortlessly turn your text into British English speech with ReadSpeaker’s AI. Perfect for making your projects feel local and relatable to the English speakers.

1 - Choose a voice

Find the perfect British English voice for your project! ReadSpeaker offers a whole cast of characters, both male and female. Select those which will bring your vision to life. A team of British English narrators at your fingertips!

2 - Add your text

Get your British English text-to-speech ready. ReadSpeaker makes it easy: paste your text or type it straight in. For advanced demo, please contact our team.

3 - Generate and Listen

Hear your British English masterpiece come to life! Hit play, and voilà – your British narration is ready. Also you can download it as an MP3 for easy access.

4 - Customize and adjust settings

Fine-tune your British English voiceover! Play with the speech rate and pitch to find the perfect rhythm. Add pauses and emphasis where required to make your Received Pronunciation message unique.

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Text to Speech in English with a British Accent

Language code: en-GB

Convert text to english speech with british accent generator. Insert your text and press button. Voices sound like real Brits.

Looking for authentic British English voiceovers for your content? You're at the right place. The English language, especially with its British accent, is spoken predominantly in the United Kingdom and has distinct phonetic and grammatical features setting it apart.

The British English (en-GB) is a broad term that encompasses a variety of regional accents within the UK. When people talk about the "British accent", they usually mean "Received Pronunciation" (RP). This is also called the "Queen's English" or "BBC English". Here are some pronunciation features of this accent:

Non-Rhoticity . One of the defining characteristics of many British accents, including RP, is non-rhoticity. This means that the "r" at the end of words isn't pronounced. For instance, 'car' might sound like 'cah'.

Vowel Length . There are distinct long and short vowels in RP. For example, the vowel sound in 'beat' is long, while in 'bit' it is short.

Diphthongs . RP has several diphthongs, which are combinations of two vowel sounds within the same syllable. Examples include the sound 'aɪ' in 'time' or 'əʊ' in 'go'.

Clear 'l' . The 'l' at the end of words is clear, not vocalized. For example, in 'mill', the 'l' sound is pronounced clearly, rather than having a 'w' or 'o' quality.

T-glottalization . While this is more prevalent in some regional accents, it's becoming more common in modern RP for the 't' sound to be replaced by a glottal stop in the middle of words. For example, 'butter' might sound like 'buh-er'.

SpeechGen's British Accent Generator is your go-to solution for text to speech conversion. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and neural networks, our tool transforms your written content into natural-sounding voices. No robotic tones, just clear and crisp British English as if broadcasted by the BBC!

Whether you're creating video content, running an ad campaign, or seeking to engage with an audience familiar with British English, SpeechGen makes it straightforward. Simply input your text, let the conversion magic happen, and download your audio file.

Statistical facts

• 380,000,000 people speak English
• Contains about 1,000,000 words
• UK population 69 million people

Other Accents

• South African

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British Accent Generator

Easily convert text to speech in British English, and 100 more languages. Try our British English text to speech free online. No registration required. Create Audio

Text to speech online British accent voices can be very useful to quickly create audio materials or videos for the UK market, and to add variety to recorded conversations in globally targeted videos. British accent voices are often associated with authority and seriousness, especially if they are older. In contrast, younger UK English text to speech voices often have a playful and informal sound.

Our British accent generators let you convert text to speech with British accent audio online, to make audio books, video lessons, engaging presentations and informational videos. Get started with our Text to Speech British accent free - no registration needed. Narakeet uses natural-sounding British voice generators to create voice overs from your scripts in minutes.

Narakeet has 48 British English text to speech male and female voices, and many more in other regional English variants . Play the video below (with sound) for a quick demo.

British Text To Speech

In addition to these voices, Narakeet has 700 text-to-speech voices in 100 languages .

For more options (uploading Word documents, voice speed/volume controls, working with Powerpoint files or Markdown scripts), check out our Tools .

Additional English Text to Speech voices

For more regional English text-to-speech variants, check out the following pages:

• American English text to speech voices
• Canadian English text to speech voices
• Scottish Accent English text to speech voices
• Welsh Accent English text to speech voices
• Australian English text to speech voices
• New Zealand accent English text to speech voices
• Irish accent English text to speech voices
• Indian accent English text to speech voices
• South African accent English text to speech voices
• Nigerian accent English text to speech voices
• Filipino accent English text to speech voices

British accent reader

Our British accent voice generators can help you use realistic text to speech to easily make lots of different video and audio assets, for example:

• British accent text to speech videos
• British English text to speech podcasts
• British accent text to voice MP3 files
• Text to Speech British accent audio books
• Voice overs with British accent
• English accent text to speech YouTube videos

British accent translator

You can use our British voices to change the voice from a different accent. Click the "Dictate" button below the script form in our Text to Audio tool, and speak the words you want to change to a British accent. Then select one of our British English voices to read those words aloud and generate British accent pronunciation audio.

British English Text-to-Speech Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about our British English online text to speech voices? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What is the most realistic text to speech voice?

Narakeet makes it easy to use realistic, lifelike AI text to speech voices. We particularly like Rosalind and Edward - try those text to speech voices first.

What is the best sounding text-to-speech?

Deep neural network (DNN) TTS generators are currently the best sounding text-to-speech voices. All Narakeet voices are based on best-in-class technology for text to sound conversion. Try out our voices in the form on this page.

Can you download text to speech audio?

Yes, Narakeet Text to Speech converter lets you create MP3, M4A and WAV files that you can download immediately. Just click the "Download" link after converting text to speech.

How do I turn text into audio?

Open the Narakeet Text to Speech page and type the text into the Script field, then click the "Create Audio" button. You will get an audio file from your text in seconds.

Is there a program that converts text to audio?

Yes, Narakeet converts text to audio using realistic text-to-speech voices based on latest AI tech. Get started for free now, no registration needed.

Narakeet helps you create text to speech voiceovers , turn Powerpoint presentations and Markdown scripts into engaging videos. It is under active development, so things change frequently. Keep up to date: RSS , Slack , Twitter , YouTube , Facebook , Instagram , TikTok

British accent generator & text-to-speech

Use the British accent generator to create realistic voiceovers for your videos. Choose from a variety of male and female British English voices. Select the AI voice you'd like to use, type in your text, click the Play button to hear the result, and download the audio file!

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Trusted by over 50,000 companies of all sizes

Choose from 25+ British English voices

Preview the high-quality voices available in our British English accent generator.

Key features of the British voice generator

Adjust pronunciation and pauses.

Easily adjust the pronunciation of specific words to create the perfect British accent. Add strategic pauses to adjust the speech rate.

Tailor content to the UK market

Easily generate realistic text-to-speech voiceovers tailored to British English speakers.

Choose from diverse English accents

The British text-to-speech voices come in multiple accents and voice styles, like professional, bright, calm, and more.

Translate videos to and from English

Translate your video and audio content to and from the English language in a single click.

Make videos with a British English accent

Create videos with realistic British accent text-to-speech voices in just 5 minutes.

Convert docs into videos

Convert Word documents, PDFs, and article links into videos with a British English accent.

How to generate British text-to-speech voiceovers for videos

Create an account.

Sign up for Synthesia and create a new video.

Paste your text

Paste your British accent text or generate a script with an AI script generator.

Choose from a British English voice

Choose from 25+ high-quality voices with a British accent or clone your own voice. The AI voice generator will automatically convert the text and generate speech.

Select an AI avatar

Make the British English voiceover more engaging by adding a realistic avatar that will narrate your text.

Adjust and edit

Personalize your text-to-speech video with stock photos or your own images, videos, audio files, shapes, and more.

Generate video

That's it! Now you can download, stream, embed, and share your videos.

Natural-sounding British English voices for diverse use cases

Generate British English text-to-speech voices for eLearning, YouTube videos, language learning, and more using Synthesia.

Customer support

Create training videos with natural-sounding British accents in minutes, instead of weeks. Replace boring written materials with engaging videos.

Generate educational content with a lifelike British accent to increase engagement. Create voiceovers for video lessons in just a few clicks.

Improve your customer experience by transforming your help articles into short narrated videos with natural British accents.

Keep your employees and stakeholders engaged with natural-sounding corporate videos with a British English accent.

Create professional voiceovers for explainer videos, product videos, and brand videos without hiring a video production or recording studio.

Test out text-to-speech in other languages

All your british text-to-speech questions answered, what is the ai tool for a british accent.

According to G2 reviews , the best AI tool for generating voiceovers in a British accent is Synthesia. It's an AI video maker with a built-in text-to-speech function, which allows users to create YouTube videos, eLearning videos, and more from written content. It offers 25+ different accents for British English.

What is the best text-to-speech British accent?

According to G2 reviews , one of the best British accent generators is Synthesia. It comes with a variety of male and female voices, and a total of 25 of premium voices in diverse British accents.

How do I make my text sound British?

To make your text sound British, use an online British accent translator. The one by Synthesia, for example, allows you to create voiceovers for videos in a British English accent by simply typing in your British text.

What is the best British text-to-speech software?

According to G2 reviews , the best British TTS software is Synthesia. Unlike other TTS tools like Amazon Polly, Microsoft Azure, or Google Wavenet, Synthesia also allows users to convert text into videos with natural-sounding voices and lifelike AI avatars.

Ready to create video content in British English?

Create an account and get started using Synthesia with full access to all 140+ avatars and 25+ British English voices.

British English Text to Speech & English Accent Generator

Convert text to speech to British English AI voices that sound like native speakers. Try British English text to speech online. No signup required.

• Languages |  
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Text to speech languages, voices, & accents

Trusted by individuals and teams of all sizes, british english voice generator samples.

Listen to the most conversational, and unique English text to speech voices.

Clone a voice

British english text to speech features.

Enjoy flawless, natural-sounding British English AI voices with PlayHT’s industry-leading speech synthesis. Human-like rhythm and conversational British English voice overs that are indistinguishable from humans.

British English Text to Speech Library

The PlayHT voice library features over 900 premium AI TTS voices. From distinctive characters and even accents.

Real-time British English TTS Generation

Convert text to speech with one of the fastest British English text to speech APIs in real time. Create voice overs for your audio content on-the fly.

Additional Text to Speech Languages

PlayHT’s AI voice generator converts text into high-quality, natural-sounding speech in over 142 other languages. From English, Japanese, and Spanish, to Chinese, our AI voice is indistinguishable from a native speaker.

English TTS Accents

PlayHT is one of the very few text to speech converters that offers British English TTS accents.

Additional English Text to Speech Voices

About England

England, part of the United Kingdom, is located on the island of Great Britain in Europe. With a population of about 56 million, its history includes Roman occupation, medieval monarchy, and the Industrial Revolution. London, the capital, is known for its historic sites like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. English culture has a rich literary and theatrical heritage, with landmarks such as Stonehenge and the Lake District. The official language is English.

About British English

British English is spoken by about 68 million people in the United Kingdom and has influenced English spoken worldwide. It encompasses various regional dialects and accents. The language has a long history, evolving from Old English, which was brought to Britain by Anglo-Saxon settlers in the 5th century, through Middle English and Early Modern English.

The most conversational text to speech voice samples

Listen to AI voices that are indistinguishable from humans.

Ultra realistic text to speech voice samples

Listen to AI Voice performances created using PlayHT

Get Started with English Text to Speech API

PlayHT has pioneered conversational AI English Text to Speech (TTS) and this makes the voices very native sounding.

What is British English Text to Speech?

Text to speech (TTS) is a technology that reads aloud digital text—the words on computers, smartphones, and tablets. Using TTS, you can listen to books, articles, and websites without having to read them on a screen. It's like having someone read to you.

This technology is vital for accessibility, helping people with visual impairments access written content through audio. It's also integrated into navigation systems and virtual assistants for seamless human-machine interaction.

Improving naturalness in synthesized speech is an ongoing goal. Researchers use machine learning and neural networks to refine algorithms and enhance speech quality. The aim is to make synthesized speech sound more like human speech, reducing the gap between the two.

How British English Text to Speech Works

Here's a step-by-step tutorial for using English text to speech on PlayHT:

Sign Up or Log In

Create a new account or log into your existing PlayHT dashboard to access the TTS studio.

Enter Your British English Text

Once logged in, you can type, paste, or upload your text directly into the text box.

Choose a British English Voice

Choose from the best English AI voices or 900+ other conversational AI voices. You’re sure to find the perfect voice for your project.

Custom English Voice

Clone your voice to create a custom sounding British English text to speech voice. It only takes 30 seconds.

Move sliders to adjust tone, speed, and style to get the perfect speech output your project demands.

Generate & Download

Whenever you are ready, you can download a high quality English MP3 audio file of your natural-sounding English speech.

British English Text to Speech Use Cases

Unlock premium synthesized speech tailored to almost every use case. With PlayHT's diverse array of AI text to speech voices and accents, ensuring your content is not just read aloud, but also enjoyable to listen to.

English AI Voice overs

Empower content creators with PlayHT's TTS for British English AI voice overs, allowing them to generate realistic and expressive voice overs for various applications such as animation, gaming, and storytelling, adding depth and authenticity to multimedia projects.

Audio Articles and Accessibility

Enhance accessibility and inclusivity by using PlayHT's TTS for Audio Articles and Accessibility, converting written English content into audio formats such as podcasts and audiobooks, making it easier for individuals with dyslexia and other reading challenges to access and enjoy the content effortlessly.

Google Docs & Email

Listen to your Google Docs, email, or any website in English . Professionals and students that have to read a lot at school or work, can blaze through their reading and save minutes on every article. It all adds up.

Conversational AI

Create lifelike virtual British English assistants that engage users in natural dialogue, enhancing user experiences across platforms like chatbots, virtual agents, and smart speakers.

E-Learning and Training

Create English E-Learning, training, or educational content that sounds conversational and engaging. Improve accessibility and engagement for students and employees of all abilities.

IVR Systems

Integrate PlayHT's British English TTS into IVR Systems to deliver clear and natural-sounding prompts and messages, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of customer interactions by providing easy-to-understand voice guidance.

YouTube and TikTok Videos

Create YouTube and TikTok British English TTS videos that sound native. Your listeners will not be distracted by a robotic voice or be able to distinguish it from human narration.

Elevate Your Content with British English Text-to-Speech

Try the best English text to speech app that's indistinguishable from a native speaker.

Who can benefit from British English text to speech?

Convert text to speech in perfect British English pronunciation and intonation.

Content Creators

Accessibility experts, customer reviews.

Top-rated on Trustpilot, G2, and AppSumo

The service team was exceptional and was very helpful in supporting my business needs. Would definitely use it again if needed!

The interface is clean, uncluttered, and super easy and intuitive to use. Having tried many others, PlayHT is my #1 favorite. Many natural sounding high quality voices to choose from...

I tried the bigger companies first and noting compare to this awesome website. The voices are so real that is amazing how AI is now. Don't waste your time in Polly, Azure, or Cloud; this is your text-to-voice software.

Free British Accent Generator: Convert Text To Voice

Step 1. select gender.

Female --> Male-->

Step 2. Type or Paste English Text

Step 3. resolve captcha, step 4. convert to audio, step 5. listen, download mp3 and subtitle, about british accent generator.

Use our British Accent Generator to create a realistic human voice in a English accent. Generate voices in both male and female versions. Additionally, you can download the audio in MP3 format and get subtitles. English is one of the languages spoken in United Kingdom. Check out the country-wise accent converter tool if you are looking for all available languages in a country.

You can create audio in English accent using 5 different voices including male and female. You can use these AI voices to create voice overs with English, storytelling, video creation, and learning English accent.

How To Convert English Text To Audio

Using the English text-to-audio online converter is easy and straightforward. Follow the process below, and you can have an audio file and subtitle in just a few minutes.

Select a Voice and Language

The first step is to select a voice gender along with the language accent. For the English language, you can choose any of the available voices listed below. Below are the available sample AI voices in the English accent to generate audio from text. Click the play button to listen to the sample voice.

Type or Paste Your Text

In the provided text box, either type in your desired text or paste it. Ensure the text matches the language you selected in the previous step. For example, in this case, you should type English text. If you type English text, then the audio will sound exactly like a English person speaking English.

Currently, there are no limitations on the number of characters you can type. Yes, you can convert unlimited text to audio. However, for the best result, we recommend having fewer than 3,000 characters.

Resolve the Captcha

In order to restrict bot usage and for security purposes, tick the "I'm not a robot" checkbox to complete the reCAPTCHA challenge. This verifies that the user is genuine and not an automated bot.

Convert English Text to Audio

The final step is to click on the 'Convert' button. This will start converting the text into the English selected AI voice. Based on the number of characters you type, it may take a couple of seconds or minutes.

Download and Listen

Once the conversion is complete, you can listen to the audio directly or download it as an MP3. Additionally, you can also download the subtitles, which is useful in video creation.

Free British Accent Generator Online!

Hey friends! Have you ever wondered how words sound in a British accent? Well, guess what? We have a super cool tool for you! It’s called the British Accent Generator ! This fun tool changes your words into a British voice! You can hear how words sound in both male and female voices! Isn’t that exciting? Let’s dive in and have some fun!

What is the British Accent Generator?

The British Accent Generator is a free online tool that lets you hear your words in a British accent! You type in words or sentences, pick a male or female voice, and press a button! Then, you get to hear those words in a cool British accent! It’s a fantastic way to learn and have fun at the same time!

Who Can Use It?

Anyone can use the British Accent Generator! Whether you are a kid learning about different accents, a teacher making lessons fun, or just someone curious about British accents, this tool is for you! It’s super easy and lots of fun to explore different words in a British accent!

Fun Facts and History about British Accent

Did you know? The British accent has a long history! It’s not just one accent but many! People from different parts of the UK, like London, Scotland, and Wales, all have their unique way of speaking! It’s like a treasure trove of sounds! And guess what? The British accent is often called the “Queen’s English” because it’s the way the Queen of England speaks!

How to Use the British Accent Generator?

Using the British Accent Generator is as easy as pie! First, you type some words in a box. Next, you pick if you want to hear a male or female voice. Then, you press a button and voila! You get to hear your words in a British accent! You can try as many words as you like and have a blast learning!

A: Absolutely! It’s a free tool for everyone to enjoy!

A: Yes! You can pick to hear words in either a male or a female British accent!

A: Not at all! It’s super easy and fun! Just type, pick, and listen!

When does Kamala Harris speak at the 2024 DNC? Where to watch and stream the speech

The 2024 Democratic National Convention wraps up Thursday night in Chicago after four days of the party's leaders making their pitch to voters across the country.

The convention has seen appearances, speeches and performances from the likes of former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, former first lady Michelle Obama , basketball coach Steve Kerr and rapper Lil Jon , among many others.

The past few months have been a whirlwind for the party, spanning from President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27, to him deciding not to seek reelection and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

Here's what to know about when Harris is scheduled to speak at the 2024 DNC and how you can watch and livestream it.

DNC Day 4 live updates: Kamala Harris to give acceptance speech tonight in Chicago

Day 3 DNC takeaways: Tim Walz makes everyman pitch, uncommitted voters demand stage time

When will Kamala Harris speak at 2024 DNC?

Kamala Harris is expected to accept the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on Thursday night, the final night of the convention, with her speech set to take place during the convention's main programming session from 5:30-10 p.m. CT.

How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC

The convention will  air live on its website , from the United Center in Chicago between 7 p.m to 11 p.m. ET (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT) Tuesday through Thursday.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube  each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

Contributing: USA TODAY staff

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].