Learn How to Pronounce flaw

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flaw

Definition:

(nou) an imperfection in an object or machine (nou) defect or weakness in a person's character (nou) an imperfection in a plan or theory or legal document that causes it to fail or that reduces its effectiveness

Phonetic Transcription:

flɔː

Examples:

The flaw is not with the messenger, the flaw is with the model.

That is really the flaw in the system.

That's the major flaw in the story.

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flaw

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: flaw

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Break flaw down into individual sounds such as flɔː. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Common mistakes of flaw pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "flaw" with an "o" sound as in "hot" (ˈhɑt). This is incorrect. Tip: Remember that "flaw" has the vowel sound /ɔː/ in UK English (ˈflɔː) and /ɑ/ in US English (ˈflɔ).
  2. Ignoring the "f" sound: A common mistake is to omit the initial "f" sound, pronouncing it as "law." This can lead to confusion. Tip: Focus on articulating the "f" sound clearly, as in /f/ in both accents.
  3. Overemphasizing the "l": Some may mistakenly stress the "l" in "flaw," sounding like "flawl." This alters the word's meaning. Tip: Keep the stress on the first syllable "flaw," avoiding unnecessary emphasis on the "l."
  4. Confusing with similar words: Learners often confuse "flaw" with "floor" or "law." Each has distinct meanings and pronunciations. Tip: Practice distinguishing "flaw" (/flɔː/ in UK, /flɔ/ in US) from these similar-sounding words.
  5. Incorrect syllable stress: Some might incorrectly stress "flaw," sounding like "FLAW" instead of keeping it unstressed. Tip: Ensure the primary stress is on the first syllable, maintaining a smooth flow in pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "flaw" correctly?

In American English, "flaw" is pronounced as /flɔː/ with a single syllable and the primary stress on the vowel sound. In British English, it is also pronounced /flɔː/, so the pronunciation is the same in both dialects.

What is the syllable structure of "flaw"?

The word "flaw" has one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. This means it contains a single vowel sound and is pronounced in one breath.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "flaw"?

A common mistake is to add an extra vowel sound, making it sound like "flaw-uh." Remember, "flaw" should be pronounced with a clear, single vowel sound, avoiding any unnecessary endings.

Is there a minimal pair for "flaw"?

Yes, a minimal pair for "flaw" is "floor." Both words have the same initial consonant cluster but differ in the vowel sound. "Flaw" uses /ɔː/ while "floor" uses /ʊə/, highlighting the importance of vowel pronunciation.
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