Learn How to Pronounce but

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but

Phonetic Transcription:

bʌt

Learn more about:
but

Related Words:

however

though

simply

How to perfect your pronunciation of: but

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of but pronunciation

Stress misplacement: Some learners stress the wrong syllable in "but", saying /bʌt/ with emphasis on the "b". Tip: Remember that "but" is a single-syllable word; stress the whole word evenly.
Vowel confusion: People sometimes pronounce "but" as /beɪt/ or /bɛt/, confusing it with similar-sounding words. Tip: Focus on the short "u" sound /ʌ/ as in "cup" to achieve the correct pronunciation.
Overemphasis on the "b": Some speakers exaggerate the "b" sound, making it sound too strong. Tip: Keep the "b" soft and blend it smoothly into the rest of the word for a natural sound.
Incorrect vowel length: Learners may pronounce "but" with a long vowel sound, saying /buːt/. Tip: Practice saying the word quickly to ensure the vowel remains short and crisp.
Dropping the "t": In casual speech, some may drop the "t" sound, saying /bʌ/. Tip: Always pronounce the "t" clearly to maintain the integrity of the word "but" in both formal and informal contexts.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "but"?

In American English, "but" is pronounced as /bʌt/ with a short "u" sound, similar to "cut." In British English, it is pronounced the same way, /bʌt/, maintaining the same vowel sound.

What is the stress pattern for "but"?

The word "but" has a single syllable and carries primary stress, which means you pronounce it strongly. It does not have any secondary stress because it is a short word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "but"?

A common mistake is pronouncing "but" with a long vowel sound, like in "boot." Remember to use the short "u" sound, as in "cup," to avoid confusion.

Does "but" have any regional variations in pronunciation?

"but" generally has a consistent pronunciation across different English dialects, pronounced as /bʌt/. However, in some dialects, it may sound slightly different due to accent variations.