Learn How to Pronounce may
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How to pronounce:
may
Definition:
(nou) the month following April and preceding June (nou) thorny Eurasian shrub of small tree having dense clusters of white to scarlet flowers followed by deep red berries; established as an escape in eastern North America
Phonetic Transcription:
meɪ
Examples:
The blossom is splendid in the month of may.
In months of May and June, Loo becomes unbearable and may cause heatstroke.
The time issue may be a digression.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: may
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Common mistakes of may pronunciation
- Misplacing vowel sounds: Many learners pronounce "May" with a short vowel sound as in "cat." The correct pronunciation is /meɪ/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on elongating the vowel sound.
- Incorrect stress placement: Some might incorrectly stress the second syllable when saying "May." However, "May" is a one-syllable word, so the stress is on the only syllable. Tip: Practice saying "May" clearly and distinctly.
- Overemphasizing the "m" sound: Some learners may overly emphasize the "M" in "May," making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is softer, with a smooth transition to the vowel. Tip: Relax your lips when pronouncing "M."
- Confusing with "may" and "might": Some may confuse the modal verbs "may" and "might," leading to mispronunciation. Both are pronounced /meɪ/, but context matters. Tip: Remember that "may" indicates permission or possibility.
- Neglecting intonation: When using "May" in questions, learners might forget to raise their intonation at the end. This can make the question sound flat. Tip: Practice raising your voice slightly at the end when asking questions with "May."