Learn How to Pronounce claw

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claw

Definition:

(nou) sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles (nou) a mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something (nou) a grasping structure on the limb of a crustacean or other arthropods (nou) a bird's foot

Phonetic Transcription:

klɔː

Examples:

The claw arms are bent towards the longitudinal axis of the conductor claw.

The crab has a big claw.

The claw was to be within the eye sockets of the skull.

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claw

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: claw

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Common mistakes of claw pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "claw" with a short vowel sound, like in "cat". Remember, "claw" has the vowel sound /ɔː/ in UK and /lɔ/ in US. Tip: Focus on elongating the vowel sound.
  2. Overemphasizing the "c": It's common to stress the "c" in "claw," leading to an incorrect pronunciation. The "c" should be soft, as in /klɔː/ (UK) and /klɔ/ (US). Tip: Keep the "c" light and blend it smoothly with the "l".
  3. Ignoring the "l" sound: Some speakers may skip the "l" in "claw," pronouncing it like "caw." This alters the word's meaning. The "l" is essential, pronounced as /l/ in both variants. Tip: Make sure to articulate the "l" clearly.
  4. Incorrect syllable stress: "Claw" is a single-syllable word, but some might mistakenly add an extra syllable, saying "claw-uh." This is incorrect as it disrupts the flow. Tip: Practice saying "claw" as one fluid sound.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Learners often mix up "claw" with "clause" or "clawing." Each has distinct sounds and meanings. "Claw" uses /klɔː/ (UK) and /klɔ/ (US). Tip: Listen to native speakers to differentiate between these words.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "claw"?

The pronunciation of "claw" is /klɔː/ in UK English and /klɔ/ in US English. The word has one syllable and the vowel sound is similar to the "aw" in "law."

What is the stress pattern for "claw"?

The word "claw" has primary stress on the only syllable, making it pronounced as /klɔː/. This means you emphasize the entire word when you say it.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "claw"?

Some learners may pronounce "claw" with a short vowel sound, like /klɑː/, which can lead to confusion with words like "claw" and "clog." It's important to use the correct long vowel sound to avoid misunderstandings.

Does "claw" have any regional variations in pronunciation?

While "claw" is generally pronounced the same across regions, some speakers may slightly alter the vowel sound based on their accent. In some dialects, it may sound closer to /klɔː/ or /klɔ/, but the differences are subtle.
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