Learn How to Pronounce few
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How to pronounce:
few
Definition:
(nou) a small elite group
Phonetic Transcription:
fjuː
Examples:
The disease is symmetrical and leads to severe deformity in a few years.
I'll reply to a few more of these, with some trepidation.
Rowdy and KC are some of the few left on the track.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: few
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Common mistakes of few pronunciation
- Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "few" as /fjuː/ instead of the correct /fjʊː/ in UK English. This can lead to confusion with words like "few" and "few" in different dialects. Tip: Focus on the "ʊ" sound, similar to "book".
- Ignoring the glide: Many speakers skip the glide between "f" and "ew," leading to a flat pronunciation. The correct pronunciation includes a smooth transition, making it sound like /fjuː/. Tip: Practice saying "f" and "y" together to create the glide.
- Overemphasizing the "f" sound: Some individuals pronounce "few" with too much emphasis on the "f" sound, making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is softer, as in /fjuː/. Tip: Relax your lips when forming the "f" to achieve a smoother sound.
- Confusing "few" with "few": The word "few" can be mispronounced as /fjʊː/ in US English, leading to misunderstanding. It's essential to distinguish it clearly with the correct vowel sound. Tip: Listen to native speakers to hear the subtle differences in pronunciation.
- Neglecting the length of the vowel: Learners often shorten the vowel sound in "few," saying it like "fyoo" instead of the longer /fjʊː/. This can change the meaning in conversation. Tip: Practice elongating the vowel sound to ensure clarity in communication.