Learn How to Pronounce except

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except

Phonetic Transcription:

ɪkˈsept

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: except

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Common mistakes of except pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying /ɪkˈsɛpt/. The correct stress is on the second syllable in both US and UK English: /ɪkˈsɛpt/. Tip: Focus on saying "except" with emphasis on the second part, "cept".
  2. Omitting the initial "e": Some people pronounce "except" as /ksɛpt/, dropping the initial "e". This changes the word completely. The correct pronunciation is /ɪkˈsɛpt/. Tip: Always start with the "e" sound to ensure clarity.
  3. Confusing with "accept": Learners sometimes mix up "except" and "accept", leading to incorrect pronunciation. "Except" is /ɪkˈsɛpt/, while "accept" is /əkˈsɛpt/. Tip: Remember that "except" has an "i" sound at the beginning.
  4. Incorrect vowel sound: Some might pronounce "except" with a short "e" sound, saying /ɛkˈsɛpt/. The correct pronunciation uses a schwa sound: /ɪkˈsɛpt/. Tip: Practice saying the word with the softer "i" to avoid this mistake.
  5. Overemphasizing the "t": A common error is to overly stress the final "t", making it sound harsh, as in /ɪkˈsɛpt/. The final "t" should be clear but not overly pronounced. Tip: Aim for a smooth ending without excess force on "t".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "except" in American English?

In American English, "except" is pronounced as /ɪkˈsɛpt/. The stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "sept."

What is the British pronunciation of "except"?

In British English, "except" is also pronounced as /ɪkˈsɛpt/. The stress remains on the second syllable, similar to the American pronunciation.

Does "except" have a schwa sound?

Yes, the first syllable of "except" contains the vowel sound /ɪ/, which is not a schwa but is a short, relaxed vowel. This contributes to the overall rhythm and flow of the word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "except"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "EX-cept" instead of "ex-CEPT." Remember to emphasize the second syllable to pronounce it correctly.
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