Learn How to Pronounce clam

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clam

Definition:

(nou) burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness (nou) a piece of paper money worth one dollar (nou) flesh of either hard-shell or soft-shell clams

Phonetic Transcription:

klæm

Examples:

The saltiness of the water killed the clam and opened the shell.

Suddenly the clam slammed the shell shut, gripping the snipe's beak in between.

The clam shell doors met each in the middle of the roof with no centre support.

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clam

Related Words:

crab

shrimp

How to perfect your pronunciation of: clam

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

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Common mistakes of clam pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some may pronounce "clam" with a long vowel sound as in "clame" (/kleɪm/). This is incorrect. Tip: Focus on the short "a" sound, pronounced as /æ/ in both US and UK.
Incorrect stress placement: People might stress the second syllable, saying "cla-m" instead of "clam". This can lead to confusion. Tip: Remember "clam" has only one syllable, so the emphasis is on the "clam" (/klæm/).
Overemphasizing the "l": A common mistake is to add an "l" sound, pronouncing it as "clam" with an extra "l" (/klælm/). Tip: Ensure that "clam" is pronounced without any additional sounds, focusing on the "c" and "m".
Confusing with similar words: Some may mix up "clam" with "clamor" or "clamp". This can lead to miscommunication. Tip: Practice saying "clam" (/klæm/) distinctly, ensuring you don't blend it with longer words.
Mispronouncing the final consonant: A few might pronounce "clam" as "clam" with a softer ending, sounding like "clam" (/klæm̩/). Tip: Make sure to articulate the "m" clearly at the end for proper pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "clam"?

The word "clam" is pronounced as /klæm/ in both American and British English, with a single syllable. The vowel sound is similar to the "a" in "cat."

What is the stress pattern for "clam"?

The word "clam" has primary stress on the only syllable, making it straightforward to pronounce. There are no secondary syllables or stress patterns to consider.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "clam"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing the vowel sound, often saying "clam" with a long "a" like in "claim." Remember to keep the vowel short and crisp, as in /klæm/.

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

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "clam" between American and British English; both use /klæm/. The pronunciation remains consistent across regions.