Learn How to Pronounce forty

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forty

Definition:

(nou) the cardinal number that is the product of ten and four

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈfɔːti

Examples:

The average nubile female, aged thirteen to twenty one, is two feet, ten inches high and weighs forty eight pounds.

The number forty signifies the forty years of wandering in the desert.

Grandma was the matriarch of a family of forty members.

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forty

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: forty

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Common mistakes of forty pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Many learners pronounce "forty" as /ˈfɔrti/ instead of /ˈfɔːrti/ (UK) or /ˈfɔrti/ (US). This can lead to confusion with other numbers. Tip: Focus on elongating the "o" sound for clarity.
  2. Incorrect stress placement: Some people stress the second syllable, saying "for-TEA" instead of the correct "FOR-ty" (/ˈfɔːrti/ UK, /ˈfɔrti/ US). This changes the word's rhythm. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable to maintain proper pronunciation.
  3. Over-articulating the "t": Learners often pronounce "forty" with a strong "t" sound, making it sound like "for-TEE." The correct pronunciation is softer, as in /ˈfɔːrti/ (UK) or /ˈfɔrti/ (US). Tip: Keep the "t" light and quick.
  4. Confusing with "fourteen": Some may say "forty" like "fourteen" (/fɔːrˈtiːn/) due to similar sounds. Distinguishing between the two is essential. Tip: Remember that "forty" has two syllables, while "fourteen" has three.
  5. Ignoring the "r" sound: In some accents, learners may drop the "r" in "forty," pronouncing it as /ˈfɔːti/ (UK). This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Ensure the "r" is pronounced clearly to avoid confusion.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "forty" in American English?

In American English, "forty" is pronounced as /ˈfɔr.ti/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, making it sound like "FOR-tee."

Is there a difference in the pronunciation of "forty" between British and American English?

No, the pronunciation of "forty" is the same in both British and American English, /ˈfɔː.ti/ in UK and /ˈfɔr.ti/ in US. Both variants emphasize the first syllable.

What are the syllables in the word "forty"?

The word "forty" has two syllables: "for" and "ty." You can break it down as /ˈfɔr.ti/ or /ˈfɔː.ti/, depending on your accent.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "forty"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "forty" as "fourty," adding an unnecessary "u" sound. Remember that "forty" should sound like "FOR-tee" without the "u" sound.
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