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awkward

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈɔːkwəd

Examples:

Also, the wording of the paragraph is weird and awkward.

The placement of the word is awkward.

It is awkward to enjoy singing dithyramb.

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awkward

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: awkward

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Common mistakes of awkward pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the wrong syllable, saying "AWK-ward" instead of "awk-WARD" (ˈɔːk.wəd in UK, ˈɑk.wɚd in US). Tip: Focus on the second syllable to pronounce it correctly.
  2. Overemphasizing the "k": Many people pronounce "awkward" with a strong "k" sound, leading to "awk-KWARD." This is incorrect. Tip: Keep the "k" soft and blend it smoothly with the following syllable.
  3. Ignoring the "w": Some learners omit the "w" sound, pronouncing it as "awkard." This leads to confusion with other words. Tip: Make sure to include the "w" sound for clarity in "awkward."
  4. Mispronouncing the vowel sound: Some pronounce "awkward" with an incorrect vowel, saying "awk-wurd." The correct pronunciation features a schwa sound in the second syllable. Tip: Practice the "wəd" ending to ensure correct vowel placement.
  5. Speeding through the word: In casual speech, some rush through "awkward," making it sound like "awk-wrd." This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Take your time to articulate each syllable clearly for better communication.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "awkward" correctly?

The word "awkward" is pronounced as /ˈɔːk.wərd/ in UK English and /ˈɑːk.wɚd/ in US English. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "awk," which sounds like "awk" in "awkward," followed by a softer "ward."

What are the syllables in "awkward"?

"Awkward" has two syllables: "awk" and "ward." The first syllable is stressed, making it sound more pronounced than the second syllable.

Is there a schwa sound in "awkward"?

Yes, the second syllable "ward" contains a schwa sound in its unstressed form. In rapid speech, it may sound like "wərd," making it less prominent.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "awkward"?

Many learners mispronounce "awkward" by blending the syllables too closely or emphasizing the second syllable. Remember to keep the first syllable strong and clear for correct pronunciation.
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