Learn How to Pronounce afraid

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afraid

Phonetic Transcription:

əˈfreɪd

Examples:

I'm afraid I confused this article a little bit because of my inattention.

They were not afraid of the epizootic.

A coward is afraid of many things.

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afraid

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: afraid

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Common mistakes of afraid pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "a-FRAID" instead of "AFRAID" (/əˈfreɪd/ in US and UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing the "a" as in "cat" rather than the schwa sound /ə/. This leads to saying "afraid" incorrectly. Tip: Practice starting with the schwa sound /ə/ to achieve accuracy.
  3. Overemphasizing the final "d": Some speakers may pronounce "afraid" with an exaggerated "d" sound, making it sound like "afraid-d." Tip: Keep the final "d" soft and subtle to maintain fluidity.
  4. Omitting the vowel sound: Occasionally, learners may skip the vowel sound, pronouncing it as "frayd." This alters the word's clarity. Tip: Ensure to include the initial vowel sound /ə/ for proper enunciation.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some may confuse "afraid" with "afraid of" or "afraid that," leading to incorrect usage. Tip: Practice saying "afraid" in different contexts to solidify its meaning and pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "afraid" in American English?

In American English, "afraid" is pronounced as /əˈfreɪd/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "frayed."

What is the British pronunciation of "afraid"?

In British English, "afraid" is also pronounced as /əˈfreɪd/, so there is no difference in the pronunciation between the US and UK. The stress remains on the second syllable as well.

Are there any common mistakes people make when pronouncing "afraid"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as saying /ˈæfreɪd/ instead of /əˈfreɪd/. Remember, the correct stress is on the second syllable to sound natural.

What does the schwa sound in "afraid" represent?

The schwa sound /ə/ in "afraid" occurs in the first syllable, which is unstressed. It is pronounced softly, almost like a quick "uh," making the word flow smoothly.
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