Learn How to Pronounce except

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How to pronounce:
except
Phonetic Transcription:
ɪkˈsept

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: except
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Common mistakes of except pronunciation

- 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".
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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".