Learn How to Pronounce expire

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expire

Phonetic Transcription:

ɪkˈspaɪə

Examples:

The police deadline is about to expire.

His contract was set to expire after the season.

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expire

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: expire

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Common mistakes of expire pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners put stress on the second syllable, saying "ex-ˈpire" instead of the correct "ˈexpire". Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable, "ex".
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some pronounce "expire" with a long "i" sound, saying "ex-pire" instead of the correct "ˈexpire". Tip: Focus on the short "i" sound in the first syllable to avoid this mistake.
  3. Omitting the initial "e": A common error is to drop the initial "e", pronouncing it as "x-pire". This alters the word entirely. Tip: Always start with the "e" sound, ensuring you say "e-x-pire".
  4. Confusing it with similar words: Learners might confuse "expire" with "inspire" or "require", mispronouncing it as "in-ˈspire". Tip: Pay attention to the distinct sounds; "expire" has a clear "ex" at the beginning.
  5. Mispronouncing the final "r": Some speakers may not articulate the final "r", leading to "ex-pie" instead of "ˈexpire". Tip: Make sure to pronounce the "r" clearly to maintain the integrity of the word.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "expire" in American English?

In American English, "expire" is pronounced as /ɪkˈspaɪər/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "spire."

What is the British pronunciation of "expire"?

In British English, "expire" is pronounced as /ɪkˈspaɪə/. The difference lies mainly in the vowel sound in the second syllable, which is more of an "uh" sound than in American English.

How many syllables are in the word "expire"?

The word "expire" has two syllables: "ex" and "pire." You can break it down as /ɪkˈspaɪər/ or /ɪkˈspaɪə/, depending on the accent.

Is there a schwa sound in "expire"?

Yes, the first syllable "ex" in "expire" has a weak vowel sound that can be pronounced as a schwa /ə/ in rapid speech. However, it is more commonly pronounced as /ɪ/ in careful speech.
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