Learn How to Pronounce explain

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explain

Phonetic Transcription:

ɪkˈspleɪn

Examples:

Statements like these explain much of the exasperated reactions you have seen.

It would explain your dogged adherence to a postion in the face of facts.

The verses explain the situation.

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explain

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: explain

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Common mistakes of explain pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ex-PLAIN". The correct stress is on the second syllable: /ɪkˈspleɪn/ (US) and /ɪkˈspleɪn/ (UK). Tip: Focus on emphasizing "plain" when pronouncing "explain".
  2. Overpronouncing the "x": Some speakers may overemphasize the "x" sound, leading to a pronunciation like "EKS-plain". The correct pronunciation is /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Tip: Keep the "x" soft and fluid, blending it smoothly into the following syllable.
  3. Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is using a short vowel sound, pronouncing it as "ex-PLIN". The correct pronunciation features a long "a" sound: /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Tip: Practice saying "plain" correctly to ensure the vowel sound in "explain" is accurate.
  4. Skipping the initial syllable: Some may drop the "ex-" entirely, saying just "plain". This changes the meaning and is incorrect. The full pronunciation is /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Tip: Always articulate the "ex-" to maintain clarity and meaning in your speech.
  5. Adding an extra syllable: Occasionally, learners might add an extra syllable, saying "ex-pla-in". The correct form has only two syllables: /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Tip: Break down the word into two clear parts: "ex" and "plain" without adding more sounds.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "explain" in American English?

In American English, "explain" is pronounced as /ɪkˈspleɪn/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "plain."

What is the British pronunciation of "explain"?

In British English, "explain" is pronounced the same way as in American English, /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Both dialects share the same stress pattern and vowel sounds.

Does "explain" have any silent letters?

No, "explain" does not contain any silent letters. Each letter in the word is pronounced, making it straightforward to say.

How many syllables are in "explain"?

The word "explain" has two syllables: "ex" and "plain." This makes it easy to break down when learning to pronounce it.
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