Learn How to Pronounce behave

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behave

Phonetic Transcription:

bɪˈheɪv

Examples:

The electrons are unbound and behave like the conduction electrons in a metal.

How the Grammar brats behave on the tram has nothing to do with it.

The boy was required to behave with courtesy.

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behave

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: behave

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Common mistakes of behave pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "be-ˈhave". The correct stress is on the second syllable for both US and UK: /bɪˈheɪv/. Tip: Focus on emphasizing the "have" part when practicing.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some pronounce "behave" with a short "e" sound, as in "bet". The correct pronunciation uses a long "a" sound /bɪˈheɪv/. Tip: Practice saying "hay" to get the long vowel sound right.
  3. Silent "e" misunderstanding: Some may mistakenly pronounce the final "e" in "behave". The "e" is silent, and the word ends with the "v" sound. Tip: Remember that the "e" does not affect the pronunciation; it helps indicate the long vowel sound.
  4. Incorrect vowel length: A common mistake is to shorten the "a" sound, saying "behav" without the long vowel. The correct pronunciation is /bɪˈheɪv/. Tip: Emphasize the "ay" sound as in "day" to maintain the correct length.
  5. Linking issues: Some learners may pause between "be" and "have", making it sound choppy. The correct pronunciation flows smoothly as /bɪˈheɪv/. Tip: Practice saying it quickly to develop a natural rhythm.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "behave" in American English?

In American English, "behave" is pronounced as /bɪˈheɪv/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "hay."

Is there a difference in the pronunciation of "behave" between British and American English?

The pronunciation of "behave" is similar in both British and American English, with the IPA for British English being /bɪˈheɪv/ as well. The stress pattern remains the same, focusing on the second syllable.

Does "behave" have a schwa sound in its pronunciation?

No, "behave" does not contain a schwa sound. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in "bit," rather than a schwa.

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

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /ˈbihæv/ instead of /bɪˈheɪv/. It's important to emphasize the second syllable to pronounce "behave" correctly.