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instance

Definition:

(nou) an occurrence of something (nou) an item of information that is typical of a class or group

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈɪnstəns

Examples:

For instance, the use of the possessive case is strongly discouraged.

For instance, in the case of this list, the alphabetic list puts Bahai first.

In this instance the consensus is to acquiesce.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: instance

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

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Common mistakes of instance pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "in-ˈstance" instead of the correct "ˈin-stance". Tip: Focus on the first syllable to ensure proper emphasis.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some pronounce the first syllable as "in" with a short "i" sound, like "ɪn", instead of the correct "ɪn". Tip: Practice saying "in" as in "pin" to get the right sound.
  3. Final "ce" pronunciation: A common mistake is pronouncing the final "ce" as "s" instead of the correct "s" sound, leading to "in-ˈstan-s". Tip: Remember that "ce" in "instance" is pronounced as a soft "s".
  4. Overemphasizing the "t": Some learners may place too much emphasis on the "t" sound, saying "in-ˈstan-t" instead of "ˈin-stance". Tip: Keep the "t" sound light and blend it smoothly into the following sound.
  5. Linking sounds: In rapid speech, some may omit the linking sound between "in" and "stance", creating a choppy pronunciation. Tip: Practice saying "in-stance" smoothly to maintain the connection between the syllables.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "instance" correctly?

The word "instance" is pronounced as /ˈɪn.stəns/ in both American and British English. The first syllable "in" has a primary stress, while the second syllable "stance" is unstressed.

What is the syllable breakdown of "instance"?

"Instance" has two syllables: "in" and "stance." The first syllable is stressed, which makes it sound more prominent compared to the second syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "instance"?

Some learners might mistakenly emphasize the second syllable, pronouncing it as "in-STANCE." Remember, the correct stress is on the first syllable, "IN-stance."

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

No, there is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "instance" between American and British English; both use /ˈɪn.stəns/. The stress pattern remains the same in both dialects.
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