Learn How to Pronounce known

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known

Phonetic Transcription:

nəʊn

Examples:

This was known as the general paresis of the insane.

The establishment is known for its variety of bric a brac.

A nit is generally known as the egg of a louse.

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known

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: known

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

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Common mistakes of known pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "known" with a long "o" sound, like in "cone" [koʊn] instead of the correct diphthong [noʊn] in US and [nəʊn] in UK. Tip: Focus on the "ow" sound that blends smoothly.
  2. Overemphasizing the "k" sound: A common mistake is to pronounce "known" with a strong "k" like "knohn" [knoʊn], which is incorrect. The "k" should be silent. Tip: Remember that "known" starts with the silent "k."
  3. Incorrect stress placement: Some people mistakenly stress the second syllable, saying "known" as [noʊn] with secondary stress. The primary stress is on the single syllable. Tip: Practice saying "known" with emphasis on the whole sound.
  4. Confusing with "no": Learners may pronounce "known" like the word "no" [noʊ]. While they sound similar, "known" has a distinct ending sound. Tip: Pay attention to the "n" at the end of "known" to differentiate it.
  5. Ignoring the nasal sound: Some may drop the nasal "n" at the end, saying "kno" [knoʊ]. This changes the word entirely. Tip: Ensure that you pronounce the "n" clearly at the end of "known" for accuracy.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "known"?

"Known" is pronounced as /noʊn/ in American English and /nəʊn/ in British English. The "k" is silent, and the stress is on the single syllable.

What is the syllable structure of "known"?

"Known" has one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. The sound is smooth and flows without any breaks.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "known"?

One common mistake is pronouncing the "k" sound at the beginning, which is silent. Remember to focus on the vowel sound that follows.

Is "known" a homophone?

Yes, "known" is a homophone of "noan," which can sound similar in casual speech. However, "known" refers to being aware or recognized, while "noan" is less commonly used.
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