Learn How to Pronounce futile

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futile

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈfjuːtaɪl

Examples:

The plan is pointless and futile.

It is sort of the ultimate futile hobby.

The climate is of a moderate nature and the farmland is futile.

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futile

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: futile

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Common mistakes of futile pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "fu-ˈtile". This is incorrect. The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈfjuːtaɪl" (US) and "ˈfjʊtaɪl" (UK). Tip: Always emphasize the first syllable when pronouncing "futile".
  2. Pronouncing the "u" incorrectly: The "u" in "futile" can be mispronounced as "ʌ" instead of the correct "juː" or "jʊ". This leads to a mispronunciation of the word. Tip: Focus on the "ju" sound, as in "you".
  3. Ignoring the "t": Some speakers may drop the "t" sound, saying "fyoo-ile" instead of "fyu-ˈtile". This alters the word significantly. Tip: Make sure to clearly pronounce the "t" in "futile".
  4. Confusing vowel sounds: The final vowel sound in "futile" can be mispronounced as "ɪ" instead of the correct "aɪ". This changes the word's clarity. Tip: Practice the ending sound to ensure it matches the "tile" in "futile".
  5. Overemphasizing the "t": Some may overemphasize the "t" and say "fu-ˈtīle". This is not standard. The "t" should be pronounced clearly but not stressed. Tip: Keep a balanced tone when saying "futile".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "futile" in American English?

In American English, "futile" is pronounced as /ˈfjuːtaɪl/. The stress is on the first syllable, and it sounds like "few-tile."

What is the British pronunciation of "futile"?

In British English, "futile" can be pronounced as /ˈfjʊtaɪl/ or /ˈfjuːtaɪl/. Both pronunciations have the primary stress on the first syllable, but the vowel sound in the first syllable differs slightly.

Is there a schwa sound in "futile"?

No, there is no schwa sound in "futile." The first syllable is stressed and pronounced clearly, while the second syllable is pronounced as "tile," which is also stressed.

Are there common mistakes people make with "futile"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /fjuːˈtaɪl/ instead of /ˈfjuːtaɪl/. It's important to keep the stress on the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
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