Learn How to Pronounce cruel

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cruel

Phonetic Transcription:

krʊəl

Examples:

Is it the use of the restraint that is cruel

The process was extremely cruel.

The stories are harrowing and cruel.

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cruel

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: cruel

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Common mistakes of cruel pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Many people pronounce "cruel" as /ˈkruːəl/ instead of the correct /ˈkruːəl/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the "u" sound, ensuring it blends smoothly with the "r".
  2. Overemphasizing the "c": Some learners stress the initial "c" too much, saying "C-ruel". This can lead to a mispronunciation of the word. Tip: Treat "cr" as a single consonant cluster, saying it quickly.
  3. Ignoring the "r" sound: A common mistake is to pronounce "cruel" as /ˈkjuːəl/, dropping the "r" sound. This alters the meaning entirely. Tip: Make sure to articulate the "r" clearly after the "c".
  4. Incorrect syllable stress: Some learners incorrectly place stress on the second syllable, saying "cru-EL". The correct stress is on the first syllable. Tip: Practice saying "CRU-el" with emphasis on the "CRU".
  5. Confusing with similar words: People often mix up "cruel" with "cool" or "curl". This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Pay attention to the vowel sounds and the presence of the "r" in "cruel".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "cruel"?

In American English, "cruel" is pronounced as /ˈkruː.əl/ with the stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is pronounced the same way, /ˈkruː.əl/, so there is no difference in pronunciation between the two.

Does "cruel" have a schwa sound?

Yes, "cruel" contains a schwa sound in the second syllable. The "e" in "cruel" is pronounced as a quick, unstressed sound, represented in IPA as /ə/, making it sound like "kroo-əl."

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "cruel"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing it as /ˈkruːl/, dropping the second syllable entirely. It's important to maintain both syllables to sound correct.

Are there any minimal pairs for "cruel"?

Yes, "cruel" can be confused with "cool." While "cruel" is pronounced /ˈkruː.əl/, "cool" is pronounced /kuːl/. The difference lies in the additional syllable in "cruel," which is crucial for clarity.