How can I figure out the pronunciation rules in US English?

English pronunciation is governed by patterns, not rules. I’ll start with the smallest pieces of sound and work up to larger ones.

Vowels and consonants: you can find resources to hear the way they sound and learn symbols to represent them at Sounds of Speech website; they have interactive diagrams and sounds and models. Another fantastic source is Judy Thompson’s EPA and her sound dictionary, Grass is Black. It is free right now on her website.

General patterns of syllable stress in words, here’s Oxford’s self-study sheet and their YouTube video. Because English words come from many other languages, the patterns for syllable stress become much less predictable and inclusive. British and U.S. syllable stress are almost always the same.

Word stress and the rhythm of English, watch this English Roadmap YT video. Although he’s British, the information he shares is the same for U.S. English.

Intonation strategies, watch Jill Diamond’s YT video.

Intonation patterns, watch Jennifer’s Intonation YT video series.

If you’re at beginner or intermediate level in English, get Judy Thompson’s English is Stupid, Students are Not It covers all the basics of English pronunciation. It is free right now on her website.

How can I figure out the pronunciation rules in US English?