Grandfather Passage

The Grandfather Passage is a public domain text frequently used to gather a speech sample. It contains nearly all of the phonemes of American English including many r-colored vowels. Although, the vowel /ʊo͝oooʊo͝oooʊo͝ooo/ is not included in the text. 

You wished to know all about my grandfather. Well, he is nearly ninety-three years old. He dresses himself in an ancient black frock coat, usually minus several buttons; yet he still thinks as swiftly as ever. A long, flowing beard clings to his chin, giving those who observe him a pronounced feeling of the utmost respect. When he speaks his voice is just a bit cracked and quivers a trifle. Twice each day he plays skillfully and with zest upon our small organ. Except in the winter when the ooze or snow or ice prevents, he slowly takes a short walk in the open air each day. We have often urged him to walk more and smoke less, but he always answers, “Banana Oil!” Grandfather likes to be modern in his language.

Adjustments for a Complete Inventory

Adding either one of the following sentences will enable make the paragraph more for capturing a complete phonemic inventory.

  • When he speaks his voice is just a bit cracked and quivers a trifle, but it pulls the listener in.
  • He dresses himself in an ancient black frock coat, usually minus several buttons; and with a thick hood

See Also

Rainbow Passage