Learn How to Pronounce ask

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How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

ask

Phonetic Transcription:

ɑːsk

Examples:

The question to ask is not if the columnist is human.

It's possible to ask the question without being insolent.

Learn more about:
ask

Related Words:

demand

question

require

How to perfect your pronunciation of: ask

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of ask pronunciation

Dropping the "a": Some speakers omit the initial sound, saying "sk" instead of "ask" /æsk/. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Always pronounce the "a" clearly to ensure clarity.
Misplacing the stress: Incorrectly stressing the second syllable as in "as-K" /æsˈk/ can confuse listeners. Tip: Remember that "ask" has only one syllable with the stress on the "a": /æsk/.
Confusing vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "ask" with a long vowel sound, saying "aask" /ɑːsk/. This is incorrect in both US and UK English. Tip: Use the short "a" sound /æ/ to pronounce "ask" correctly.
Adding an extra syllable: Saying "a-sk" /ˈeɪ.sk/ introduces an unnecessary syllable. This can make your speech sound unnatural. Tip: Keep it simple and stick to the single syllable "ask" /æsk/.
Overemphasizing the "k": Some may pronounce "ask" with a heavy emphasis on the "k" sound, sounding like "as-k" /æs-k/. This can alter the word's flow. Tip: Focus on a smooth transition from "a" to "sk" for natural pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "ask" in American English?

In American English, "ask" is pronounced as /æsk/ with the stress on the single syllable. The vowel sound is like the "a" in "cat."

What is the British pronunciation of "ask"?

In British English, "ask" is also pronounced as /ɑːsk/, where the vowel sound is longer and resembles the "a" in "father." The primary stress remains on the first syllable.

Does "ask" have any silent letters?

No, "ask" does not have any silent letters. Each letter is pronounced, making it straightforward for learners.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "ask"?

One common mistake is pronouncing "ask" as "aks," which is a nonstandard variation. It's important to use the correct pronunciation /æsk/ or /ɑːsk/ to be understood clearly.