Learn How to Pronounce costs

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costs

Definition:

(nou) pecuniary reimbursement to the winning party for the expenses of litigation

Phonetic Transcription:

kɒsts

Examples:

The insurer then raises the rates to cover the higher costs.

In addition he could declare the costs of the cab.

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costs

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: costs

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

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Common mistakes of costs pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the wrong syllable, saying "costs" as /ˈkɒsts/ instead of the correct /kɔːsts/ in UK English or /kɔsts/ in US English. Tip: Remember to keep the stress on the single syllable for clarity.
  2. Overemphasizing the "t": Many pronounce "costs" with an overly strong "t" sound, leading to /kɔːst/ or /kɔsts/. The correct pronunciation is more fluid, as in /kɔsts/. Tip: Make the "t" light and quick, blending it into the word.
  3. Dropping the final "s": Some may say "cost" instead of "costs," omitting the final "s." This changes the meaning and is incorrect. Tip: Always ensure to pronounce the "s" clearly at the end to indicate the plural form.
  4. Confusing "costs" with "cost": Learners sometimes pronounce "costs" as if it were the singular form "cost," resulting in /kɔst/. This is incorrect for plural usage. Tip: Practice saying "costs" with the final "s" to distinguish it from the singular.
  5. Incorrect vowel sound: Some pronounce the vowel in "costs" incorrectly, saying /kɒsts/ instead of /kɔːsts/ in UK English or /kɔsts/ in US English. Tip: Focus on the correct vowel sound to enhance your pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "costs" in American English?

In American English, "costs" is pronounced as /kɔsts/ with a single syllable. The "o" is pronounced like the "o" in "lost," and the final "sts" is pronounced clearly.

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

No, the pronunciation of "costs" is the same in both British and American English, pronounced as /kɔsts/. The stress remains on the single syllable, making it straightforward for learners.

What is the syllable structure of the word "costs"?

The word "costs" has one syllable, pronounced /kɔsts/. It is a simple structure, making it easy to say and understand.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "costs"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing the "o" sound, often saying it like the "o" in "go." Remember to pronounce "costs" with the short "o" sound as in "lost" to avoid confusion.
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