Learn How to Pronounce forward

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forward

Definition:

(nou) the person who plays the position of forward in certain games, such as basketball, soccer, or hockey (nou) a position on a basketball, soccer, or hockey team

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈfɔːwəd

Examples:

The porch juts forward in front of the door with an additional pediment.

The car lunged forward.

The robot was moving forward.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: forward

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Common mistakes of forward pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners stress the second syllable, saying "for-WARD" instead of the correct "FOR-ward" (ˈfɔːr.wərd in US, ˈfɔː.wəd in UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: Some pronounce "forward" with a long "o" sound, saying "foh-ward." The correct pronunciation uses a short "o" sound. Tip: Focus on the "or" as in "more" but shorter.
  3. Omitting the 'r': A common mistake is to say "foh-wəd" without the "r" sound, leading to a mispronunciation. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "r" clearly after the "o."
  4. Confusing with "forwards": Some speakers mix up "forward" with "forwards," adding an extra syllable. "Forward" is pronounced with two syllables, while "forwards" has three. Tip: Stick to the two-syllable version for clarity.
  5. Mispronouncing the final 'd': Some learners may soften the "d" sound, saying "forwar" instead of "forward" (ˈfɔːr.wərd in US, ˈfɔː.wəd in UK). Tip: Make sure to pronounce the "d" clearly at the end.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "forward"?

In American English, "forward" is pronounced as /ˈfɔr.wərd/, with the primary stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is pronounced as /ˈfɔː.wəd/, where the first syllable is also stressed but the second syllable has a different vowel sound.

What are the syllables in "forward"?

The word "forward" has two syllables: "for" and "ward." You can break it down phonetically as /ˈfɔr/ and /wərd/ in American English, or /ˈfɔː/ and /wəd/ in British English.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "forward"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "FOR-ward" instead of "FOR-ward." Another mistake is pronouncing the second syllable too strongly, which can make it sound unnatural.

Does "forward" have a schwa sound?

Yes, in "forward," the second syllable can be pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/ in American English, making it sound like "wərd." In British English, it tends to have a clearer vowel sound, pronounced as /wəd/.
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