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How to pronounce:
about
Phonetic Transcription:
əˈbaʊt
Examples:
I am actually a little sceptical about the authencity of some of the carvings.
I was a little apprehensive about playing the mud.
Little is known about the bionomy or specificity of ambrosia fungi.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: about
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Common mistakes of about pronunciation
- Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable in "about" as /əˈbaʊt/. The correct stress is on the first syllable, /əˈbaʊt/ for both US and UK. Tip: Focus on emphasizing the first syllable to sound more natural.
- Pronouncing the vowel sound incorrectly: Some may pronounce "about" with an "a" as in "cat," resulting in /æˈbaʊt/. The correct vowel sound is a schwa /ə/ in the first syllable. Tip: Practice saying "uh-bout" to master the correct vowel sound.
- Overemphasizing the "t": Learners sometimes pronounce the "t" too strongly, resulting in /əˈbaʊt/ sounding like /əˈbaʊtʰ/. In standard pronunciation, the "t" should be soft. Tip: Try to keep the "t" light and quick to maintain a smooth flow.
- Ignoring the schwa: Some speakers may skip the schwa sound entirely, pronouncing "about" as /ˈbaʊt/. This can make speech sound abrupt and unnatural. Tip: Always include the schwa sound at the beginning for clarity and fluidity.
- Confusing with "a bout": Learners may mistakenly say "a bout" instead of "about," leading to misunderstandings. "A bout" refers to a fight or contest, while "about" indicates a subject. Tip: Remember that "about" is one word and emphasizes a topic or direction.