Learn How to Pronounce later

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later

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈleɪtə

Examples:

The following shortlist for the Cudlipp Award was later.

The music after the stop was spliced in at a later stage.

Followed later were actual documented cases of homesickness.

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later

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: later

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Common mistakes of later pronunciation

  1. Dropping the "t": Some speakers may say "later" as "lay-er," omitting the "t" sound. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Make sure to clearly pronounce the "t" as /t/ in both US [ˈleɪtər] and UK [ˈleɪtə].
  2. Misplacing stress: Incorrectly stressing the second syllable, saying "la-TER," can sound unnatural. The primary stress should be on the first syllable. Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable: "LA-ter."
  3. Confusing vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "later" with a short "a," sounding like "latter." This changes the meaning. Tip: Use the long "a" sound /eɪ/ in "later," ensuring clarity in communication.
  4. Incorrectly blending sounds: Saying "later" as "lay-ter" can create an awkward break. This may confuse listeners. Tip: Blend the sounds smoothly, ensuring the transition between the syllables is natural.
  5. Overemphasizing the "r": Some might pronounce "later" with an exaggerated "r," sounding like "lay-ter." This can distract from the intended pronunciation. Tip: Keep the "r" subtle, focusing on the flow of the word: "LA-ter."

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct pronunciation of "later"?

The word "later" is pronounced as /ˈleɪtər/ in American English and /ˈleɪtə/ in British English. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "la", which sounds like "lay".

Does "later" have a schwa sound?

Yes, in "later", the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound /ər/ in American English. This makes it sound less emphasized compared to the first syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "later"?

Many learners might incorrectly stress the second syllable instead of the first. Remember to keep the stress on "la" as in /ˈleɪtər/ for clarity.

Can "later" be pronounced differently in casual speech?

In casual speech, "later" can sometimes be pronounced more quickly, sounding like /ˈleɪt̬ər/. This can lead to a blending of sounds, especially in fast conversation.