Learn How to Pronounce needs

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needs

Phonetic Transcription:

niːdz

Examples:

Where Romney needs to reaffirm the first debate, Obama wants voters to forget it.

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needs

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: needs

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

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Common mistakes of needs pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "needs" as /nɪdz/ instead of /niːdz/. This can lead to confusion. Tip: Focus on elongating the "ee" sound to achieve the correct pronunciation.
  2. Ignoring the final "s": A common mistake is to drop the final "s," saying "need" instead of "needs." This changes the meaning. Tip: Always remember to pronounce the "s" sound at the end distinctly.
  3. Overemphasizing the "n": Some speakers put too much stress on the "n," making it sound like "neeeeds." This can sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the stress balanced; the main stress is on the "ee" sound.
  4. Incorrect stress pattern: Some learners incorrectly stress the first syllable, saying "NEEDS" instead of the correct pronunciation /niːdz/. This can alter clarity. Tip: Remember that "needs" is a single syllable word with a primary stress on the vowel sound.
  5. Blending with adjacent words: In rapid speech, some may blend "needs" into the following word, making it sound like "needz" or "neez." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Practice pausing slightly between words to maintain clarity.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "needs"?

The word "needs" is pronounced as /niːdz/ in both American and British English. The vowel sound is similar to the long "ee" in "see," followed by a voiced "dz" sound.

What is the stress pattern in the word "needs"?

In "needs," the stress is on the single syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. You emphasize the "nee" and pronounce it clearly.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "needs"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing the final sound, sometimes saying /niːd/ instead of /niːdz/. Always ensure to include the voiced "dz" sound at the end for correct pronunciation.

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

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "needs" between American and British English; both use /niːdz/. The stress and vowel sounds remain the same in both dialects.
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