Learn How to Pronounce looking

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looking

Definition:

(nou) the feelings expressed on a person's face (nou) the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually (nou) physical appearance (nou) the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people

Phonetic Transcription:

lʊk

Examples:

His minions searched the entire continent looking for the artifact.

Same looking watches are juxtaposed in the show window.

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Common mistakes of looking pronunciation

  1. Vowel sound confusion: Some learners pronounce "looking" with a short "o" sound, as in "look" /lʊk/. The correct pronunciation uses a longer "oo" sound /ˈlʊk.ɪŋ/. Tip: Focus on the "oo" sound to avoid confusion.
  2. Dropping the "g": It's common to hear "lookin'" instead of "looking." This informal pronunciation omits the final "g" sound /ɪŋ/. Tip: Practice saying the "g" clearly to ensure proper pronunciation.
  3. Stress misplacement: Some may incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "look-ING" instead of the correct "LOOK-ing" /ˈlʊk.ɪŋ/. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable to maintain the correct stress pattern.
  4. Incorrect vowel length: Learners sometimes pronounce "looking" with a short "i" as in "bit" /bɪt/. The correct sound is a long "i" /ɪ/ in the second syllable. Tip: Listen to native speakers to grasp the vowel length.
  5. Overemphasizing the "k" sound: Some may pronounce "looking" with an exaggerated "k" sound, making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is smoother, with a soft "k" /k/. Tip: Relax your throat when pronouncing the "k" to achieve a more natural sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "looking"?

The pronunciation of "looking" is /ˈlʊk.ɪŋ/. The first syllable is stressed, and it sounds like "look," while the second syllable has a short "i" sound, similar to "ing."

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

In both American and British English, "looking" is pronounced the same way: /ˈlʊk.ɪŋ/. However, the vowel sound in the first syllable may be slightly different, with American English often sounding a bit more rounded.

What is the schwa sound in "looking"?

The schwa sound is not present in "looking." The second syllable is pronounced as "ing," which has a clear vowel sound, not a reduced schwa sound.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "looking"?

A common mistake is to overly stress the second syllable, making it sound like "look-ing." Instead, remember to stress the first syllable: "look" should be emphasized, while the "ing" is more relaxed and pronounced as /ɪŋ/.