Learn How to Pronounce give

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give

Definition:

(nou) the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

Phonetic Transcription:

ɡɪv

Examples:

But mostly the point was to give pleasure and provide finality.

Mostly, the point was to give pleasure and provide finality.

Respirators either purify the air or they give you a supply of fresh air.

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give

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: give

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of give pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "gi-VE" instead of the correct "GIVE" (ˈɡɪv). Tip: Remember that "give" is a single-syllable word, so the stress is on the first and only syllable.
  2. Vowel confusion: A common mistake is pronouncing "give" with an "ee" sound, as in "geef." The correct pronunciation uses a short "i" sound (ˈɡɪv). Tip: Practice saying "sit" or "bit" first to get the vowel sound right.
  3. Dropping the final sound: Some speakers may omit the "v" sound, pronouncing it as "gi." This makes it sound incomplete. Tip: Emphasize the "v" at the end by practicing with words like "live" or "give."
  4. Overemphasizing the "g": Learners sometimes pronounce "give" with an exaggerated "g," sounding like "gihv." The correct pronunciation is more fluid (ˈɡɪv). Tip: Focus on a smooth transition between the "g" and the "i" to maintain clarity.
  5. Incorrect vowel length: Some may pronounce "give" with a long "i" sound, like "geev." The proper pronunciation is with a short "i" (ˈɡɪv). Tip: Compare it to "live" to ensure you're using the correct vowel length.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "give" in American English?

In American English, "give" is pronounced as /ɡɪv/ with a short "i" sound, like in "sit." The stress is on the only syllable, making it clear and straightforward.

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

No, both American and British English pronounce "give" the same way, /ɡɪv/. The short "i" sound is consistent in both dialects.

What is the syllable structure of the word "give"?

The word "give" has one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. It consists of the consonant sound /ɡ/, the vowel sound /ɪ/, and the final consonant sound /v/.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "give"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing "give" with a long "i" sound, as in "glee." Remember to use the short "i" sound /ɪ/ to pronounce "give" correctly.
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