Learn How to Pronounce listening

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listening

Definition:

(nou) the act of hearing attentively

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈlɪsənɪŋ

Examples:

The audiences were tired of listening to him rambling.

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listening

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: listening

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Common mistakes of listening pronunciation

  1. Dropping the "t": Some speakers pronounce "listening" as "lisin'" by omitting the "t" sound. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Ensure to pronounce the "t" clearly, as in /ˈlɪs.ən.ɪŋ/ (US) and /ˈlɪs.ən.ɪŋ/ (UK).
  2. Misplacing stress: A common mistake is putting too much emphasis on the second syllable, saying "lis-TEN-ing." This alters the natural flow. Tip: Focus on the first syllable for stress: /ˈlɪs.ən.ɪŋ/ (both US and UK).
  3. Confusing vowel sounds: Some may incorrectly pronounce the first vowel as in "list" instead of the correct short "i" sound. This can confuse listeners. Tip: Practice the short "i" sound as in "sit" for "listening": /ˈlɪs.ən.ɪŋ/.
  4. Overemphasizing the "n": Speakers sometimes exaggerate the "n" sound, making it sound like "listenn-ing." This is not standard. Tip: Keep the "n" subtle and smooth, as in /ˈlɪs.ən.ɪŋ/.
  5. Ignoring the schwa: Some may not pronounce the schwa sound in the second syllable, making it sound awkward. Tip: Remember to include the schwa /ə/ in the second syllable: /ˈlɪs.ən.ɪŋ/ (both US and UK).

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "listening" in American English?

In American English, "listening" is pronounced as /ˈlɪsənɪŋ/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "lis," and the second syllable has a schwa sound, making it sound like "liss-uh-ning."

What is the UK pronunciation of "listening"?

In British English, "listening" is also pronounced as /ˈlɪsənɪŋ/. The stress pattern remains the same, with the first syllable stressed and the second syllable pronounced with a schwa.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "listening"?

Many learners might misplace the stress or pronounce the second syllable too strongly. Remember to keep the second syllable softer, almost like "liss-uh-ning," to sound more natural.

How many syllables are in the word "listening"?

The word "listening" has three syllables: "lis," "ten," and "ing." It's important to clearly articulate each syllable for better pronunciation.
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