Learn How to Pronounce imperative
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How to pronounce:
imperative
Definition:
(nou) a mood that expresses an intention to influence the listener's behavior (nou) some duty that is essential and urgent
Phonetic Transcription:
ɪmˈperətɪv
Examples:
These are the infinitive, the imperative and the subjunctive.
Cleanliness of the insulation remains imperative.
It is imperative that the choreography interpret the music.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: imperative
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Common mistakes of imperative pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "im-ˈper-a-tive". In both US and UK English, the primary stress is on the second syllable: "ɪm-ˈpɛr-ə-tɪv". Tip: Focus on emphasizing "per" more than the other syllables.
- Omitting the schwa: Some speakers may skip the schwa sound in the third syllable, pronouncing it as "im-ˈper-tiv" instead of "ɪm-ˈpɛr-ə-tɪv". The schwa is crucial for the word's flow. Tip: Practice saying the full word slowly to include every syllable.
- Confusing vowel sounds: The first vowel sound is often mispronounced. Instead of "ɪm", some may say "iːm" or "ɛm". The correct sound is a short "ɪ". Tip: Use minimal pairs like "bit" and "beat" to differentiate between the vowel sounds.
- Incorrect final syllable: Some learners pronounce the last syllable as "tiv" instead of "tɪv". This can change the word's clarity. The correct pronunciation is "tɪv" as in "ɪm-ˈpɛr-ə-tɪv". Tip: Break down the word into syllables and practice each one.
- Overemphasizing the first syllable: A common mistake is to say "ˈim-perative" with too much emphasis on the first syllable. The stress should be on the second syllable. Tip: Listen to native speakers to hear the correct stress pattern.