Learn How to Pronounce eternal

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eternal

Phonetic Transcription:

ɪˈtɜːnəl

Examples:

It is eternal, it is changeless.

The atoms and the void are eternal.

The Orthodox view the torment is eternal.

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eternal

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: eternal

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Common mistakes of eternal pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners place stress on the second syllable, saying "e-TER-nal" instead of the correct "e-TER-nal" (ˈɪˈtɜrnəl in US, ɪˈtɜːnəl in UK). Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the second syllable.
  2. Omitting the vowel sound: It's common to drop the "e" sound in the first syllable, pronouncing it as "ternal." This leads to a loss of clarity. Tip: Always pronounce "e" in "eternal" as "ɪ" to maintain the word's integrity.
  3. Incorrect vowel pronunciation: Some may pronounce the "e" in "eternal" as a long "e" sound, leading to "ee-ternal." This is incorrect. Tip: Use the short "e" sound as in "bed" (ˈɪ) for accurate pronunciation.
  4. Blending syllables: Learners might blend "eternal" into one syllable, saying "iternal." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Break it into three distinct syllables: "e-ter-nal" to ensure clarity.
  5. Ignoring the "t" sound: Some speakers might pronounce "eternal" without the "t," saying "eernal." This changes the word's meaning. Tip: Make sure to clearly articulate the "t" sound in "eternal" to avoid misunderstandings.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "eternal" correctly?

In American English, "eternal" is pronounced as /ɪˈtɜrnəl/ with primary stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced as /ɪˈtɜːnəl/, where the vowel sound is slightly longer.

What are the syllables in the word "eternal"?

The word "eternal" has three syllables: "e", "ter", and "nal". You can break it down phonetically as /ɪˈtɜrnəl/.

Is there a schwa sound in "eternal"?

Yes, the last syllable "nal" in "eternal" contains a schwa sound, represented as /nəl/. This makes it sound lighter and less stressed compared to the first two syllables.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "eternal"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "e-TER-nal" instead of "e-TER-nal". Remember to stress the second syllable to pronounce it correctly.
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