Learn How to Pronounce knife

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knife

Definition:

(nou) edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle (nou) a weapon with a handle and blade with a sharp point (nou) any long thin projection that is transient

Phonetic Transcription:

naɪf

Examples:

The hand likes the knife to be able to cut the heavy.

The apron is pried up with the knife, pulled back and cut off.

Luanda instructed her to cut his shadow with a knife and instill the medicine.

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knife

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: knife

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

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Common mistakes of knife pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the silent letter: Many learners pronounce the "k" in "knife" as /k/. This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is /naɪf/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Remember that "k" is silent in this word.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: Some may say "knife" with a short "i" sound, like /nɪf/. This is a common mistake. The correct vowel sound is a diphthong /aɪ/. Tip: Practice saying "I" to help with the correct sound.
  3. Stress misplacement: Learners might incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying /nəˈɪf/. However, "knife" is a one-syllable word, pronounced /naɪf/. Tip: Focus on keeping it as a single, strong syllable.
  4. Adding extra syllables: Some might mistakenly pronounce "knife" as two syllables, like /nəɪf/. This is incorrect, as "knife" is monosyllabic. Tip: Emphasize the single syllable when practicing.
  5. Overemphasizing the "f": Some learners may pronounce "knife" with an exaggerated "f" sound, like /naɪf/. While "f" is important, it should not be overly pronounced. Tip: Keep the "f" sound clear but not harsh.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "knife" in American English?

In American English, "knife" is pronounced as /naɪf/. The stress is on the single syllable, making it easy to say quickly in conversation.

What is the British pronunciation of "knife"?

In British English, "knife" is also pronounced /naɪf/, with the same single syllable and stress pattern as in American English. There is no significant difference in pronunciation between the two variants.

Does "knife" have a silent letter?

Yes, "knife" contains a silent "k" at the beginning. This means you do not pronounce the "k," and the word starts with the "n" sound instead.

How many syllables are in the word "knife"?

The word "knife" has one syllable. This makes it a monosyllabic word, which is common for many simple nouns in English.
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