Learn How to Pronounce always

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always

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈɔːlweɪz

Examples:

It is often surging, and not always retentive.

The former is often prospective, the latter always retrospective.

He's sometimes funny, often smarmy, and always condescending.

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always

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: always

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Break always down into individual sounds such as ˈɔːlweɪz. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Common mistakes of always pronunciation

  1. Vowel sound confusion: Some learners mispronounce "always" as /ˈɔlweɪz/ instead of the correct /ˈɔːlweɪz/ (UK) or /ˈɔlweɪz/ (US). Tip: Focus on elongating the "aw" sound for clarity.
  2. Syllable stress error: Many speakers place incorrect stress on the second syllable, saying "al-WAYS" instead of the correct "AL-ways." Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable to maintain proper pronunciation.
  3. Dropping the "l" sound: Some may say "aw-ways," omitting the "l" in "always." This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Practice saying "l" clearly by placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
  4. Mispronouncing the "w" sound: Learners sometimes pronounce "always" without the "w," saying "al-ays." This can create confusion with other words. Tip: Ensure to articulate the "w" by rounding your lips as you say it.
  5. Incorrect vowel length: Some may shorten the vowel in "always," pronouncing it as /ˈɔlwez/ instead of /ˈɔːlweɪz/ (UK) or /ˈɔlweɪz/ (US). Tip: Practice holding the vowel sound longer to achieve the correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "always"?

The word "always" is pronounced as /ˈɔːl.weɪz/ in British English and /ˈɔˌl.weɪz/ in American English. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "al".

Is there a schwa sound in "always"?

Yes, there is a schwa sound in "always". The second syllable is pronounced as "weɪz", where the "w" is pronounced clearly, and the "a" is not stressed.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "always"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, which can lead to confusion. Make sure to emphasize the first syllable, "al", to pronounce "always" correctly.

How many syllables are in "always"?

The word "always" has two syllables: "al" and "ways". Each syllable is important for clear pronunciation.
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