Learn How to Pronounce narrow

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narrow

Definition:

(nou) a narrow strait connecting two bodies of water

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈnærəʊ

Examples:

The width of the properties was comparatively narrow.

The arches are relatively narrow in relation to the width of the shoulders.

The narrow streets of the old city can be clogged with traffic.

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narrow

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: narrow

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

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Common mistakes of narrow pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners may pronounce "narrow" as "naro," omitting the second syllable. This leads to a mispronunciation. Tip: Focus on the correct vowel sounds /ˈnær.oʊ/ (US) or /ˈnær.əʊ/ (UK) to ensure clarity.
  2. Incorrect stress placement: A common mistake is stressing the second syllable, saying "na-ROW" instead of "NAR-row." This changes the word's rhythm. Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable, as indicated by /ˈnær.oʊ/ (US) and /ˈnær.əʊ/ (UK).
  3. Confusing with similar words: Learners might confuse "narrow" with "narrowly" or "narrate." This can lead to incorrect usage. Tip: Be aware of the context and the specific meaning of "narrow," which refers to a limited width or extent.
  4. Overemphasizing the "r" sound: Some may pronounce "narrow" with an exaggerated "r," sounding like "narr-ow." This can distort the word. Tip: Keep the "r" sound subtle and smooth, as in /ˈnær.oʊ/ (US) and /ˈnær.əʊ/ (UK).
  5. Ignoring the linking sounds: When saying "narrow" in a sentence, some might separate it awkwardly from the following word. This disrupts fluency. Tip: Practice linking "narrow" smoothly with the next word, maintaining a natural flow in speech.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "narrow" correctly?

The word "narrow" is pronounced as /ˈnɛr.oʊ/ in American English and /ˈnær.əʊ/ in British English. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "nar."

What are the syllables in "narrow"?

The word "narrow" has two syllables: "nar" and "row." The first syllable is stressed, making it sound stronger than the second.

Is there a schwa sound in "narrow"?

Yes, in the British pronunciation of "narrow," the second syllable contains a schwa sound, pronounced as "ə." This makes it sound like "narr-uh."

Are there common mistakes people make when saying "narrow"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "NAR-row" instead of "NAR-row." Remember to emphasize the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
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