Learn How to Pronounce innocuous

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innocuous

Phonetic Transcription:

ɪˈnɒkjʊəs

Examples:

As innocuous as it seems, it is the seed of ignorance.

It is the most innocuous template available.

The content is actually rather innocuous.

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innocuous

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: innocuous

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Common mistakes of innocuous pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "in-ˈnɔk-jʊ-əs". The correct stress is on the third syllable: "ˈɪn.ə.kjʊ.əs". Tip: Focus on saying "IN" clearly and then emphasize "noc" as the stressed syllable.
  2. Overpronouncing vowels: Some learners tend to overpronounce the vowels, leading to "i-nuh-kyoos". The correct pronunciation has a more subtle vowel sound: "ˈɪn.ə.kjʊ.əs". Tip: Keep the "ə" sound quick and light.
  3. Confusing "c" sounds: A common mistake is mispronouncing the "c" as a hard "k" sound, resulting in "in-kok-yus". The correct pronunciation has a soft "c": "ˈɪn.ə.kjʊ.əs". Tip: Remember that the "c" before "u" sounds like "k".
  4. Ignoring syllable separation: Some speakers blend the syllables, saying "innocuous" as one long sound. The correct separation is clear: "ˈɪn.ə.kjʊ.əs". Tip: Practice pausing slightly between syllables to enhance clarity.
  5. Mispronouncing "u": A frequent error is pronouncing the "u" as "oo", leading to "in-nah-kyoos". The correct sound is "ju": "ˈɪn.ə.kjʊ.əs". Tip: Focus on the "ju" sound to ensure correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "innocuous"?

"Innocuous" is pronounced as /ɪˈnɒk.ju.əs/ in UK English and /ɪˈnɑː.kjə.wəs/ in US English. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "noc".

What are the syllables in the word "innocuous"?

The word "innocuous" has four syllables: "in", "noc", "u", and "ous". You can break it down as "in-ˈnoc-u-ous".

Is there a schwa sound in "innocuous"?

Yes, "innocuous" contains a schwa sound in the last syllable "ous", pronounced as /əs/. This sound is common in unstressed syllables in English.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "innocuous"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as stressing the first syllable instead of the second. Remember to emphasize "noc" for correct pronunciation.
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