Learn How to Pronounce four

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four

Definition:

(nou) the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one (nou) a playing card or domino or die whose upward face shows four pips

Phonetic Transcription:

fɔː

Examples:

He stood six feet three or four inches tall, thin, sallow, and stooped.

The anther is terminal, and contains four to six pollinia.

The mothers wean their young at four to five months.

Learn more about:
four

Related Words:

five

six

three

How to perfect your pronunciation of: four

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

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Common mistakes of four pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners may pronounce "four" as "for" /fɔr/ (US) or /fɔː/ (UK), confusing the vowel sounds. Tip: Focus on the "o" in "four" which is pronounced as /ɔː/ (UK) or /ɔr/ (US).
Ignoring the "r" sound: A common mistake is to omit the "r" sound, resulting in a pronunciation like "foe" /foʊ/ (US) or /fəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Ensure you articulate the "r" clearly to achieve the correct sound.
Overemphasizing the "f": Some may overly stress the "f" in "four," making it sound harsh. This can lead to "ffour." Tip: Maintain a balanced emphasis on both the "f" and the vowel sounds for clarity.
Confusing with "four" and "for": Learners often mix up "four" /fɔr/ (US) or /fɔː/ (UK) with "for" /fɔr/ (US) or /fɔː/ (UK), as they sound similar. Tip: Pay attention to context and practice distinguishing the two in sentences.
Incorrect vowel length: Some may pronounce "four" with a short vowel sound, like "fur" /fɜr/ (US) or /fɜː/ (UK). Tip: Remember that "four" has a longer vowel sound, which is crucial for correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "four" in American English?

In American English, "four" is pronounced as /fɔr/ with a single syllable and the stress on the vowel sound. The "ou" in "four" sounds like the "or" in "more."

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

Yes, in British English, "four" is often pronounced as /fɔː/ with a longer vowel sound. The primary stress remains on the vowel, but it may sound slightly different due to regional accents.

What is the syllable structure of "four"?

The word "four" has one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. This is typical for many number words in English, which often have just one syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "four"?

One common mistake is pronouncing "four" as /fʊr/, which can confuse it with the word "fur." It's important to ensure that the vowel sound is correct to avoid misunderstandings.