Learn How to Pronounce before

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before

Phonetic Transcription:

bɪˈfɔː

Examples:

They circumambulate the Kalam three times before sitting.

Dawn is the time that marks the beginning of the twilight before sunrise.

Eat before the time of meal in order to satisfy the palate.

Learn more about:
before

Related Words:

time

prior

past

How to perfect your pronunciation of: before

Learn Individual Sounds

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Common mistakes of before pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, pronouncing it as "be-ˈfore". The correct stress is on the second syllable in both US and UK: "bɪˈfɔr"/"bɪˈfɔː". Tip: Focus on emphasizing the "fore" part.
Confusing vowel sounds: The vowel sound in "before" can be tricky. Some pronounce it with a short "i" as in "bit", resulting in "bɪˈfɔr". The correct pronunciation uses a schwa sound in the first syllable: "bɪˈfɔr"/"bɪˈfɔː". Tip: Practice saying "buh" to get the schwa sound right.
Dropping the first syllable: A common mistake is omitting the initial sound, leading to "fore". This changes the word's meaning entirely. The full pronunciation is "bɪˈfɔr"/"bɪˈfɔː". Tip: Always start with the "b" sound to keep the word intact.
Overemphasizing the "r": Some speakers might overly pronounce the "r" at the end, sounding like "bɪˈfohr". The US pronunciation is softer: "bɪˈfɔr". Tip: Keep the "r" subtle, focusing more on the vowel sounds.
Mispronouncing as "beforee": Some learners add an extra syllable, saying "bɪˈfɔree". This is incorrect as "before" has only two syllables: "bɪˈfɔr"/"bɪˈfɔː". Tip: Remember, "before" should flow smoothly without extra sounds.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "before" in American English?

In American English, "before" is pronounced as /bɪˈfɔr/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "for."

What is the British pronunciation of "before"?

In British English, "before" is pronounced as /bɪˈfɔː/. The main difference is the longer vowel sound in the second syllable, making it sound like "for" with a drawn-out "o."

Does "before" have a schwa sound in any dialects?

In some casual speech, particularly in rapid conversation, "before" can be pronounced with a schwa sound, making it sound like /bɪˈfəʊ/. However, this is less common and often depends on the speaker's accent.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "before"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as saying /ˈbɪfɔr/ instead of /bɪˈfɔr/. Remember to focus on stressing the second syllable to ensure correct pronunciation.