Learn How to Pronounce now

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now

Definition:

(nou) the momentary present

Phonetic Transcription:

naʊ

Examples:

The transformation is now the responsibility of the current Principal.

They are now one of the most desired collectable automobiles today.

As it stands now, the current paragraph reads extremely subjectively.

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now

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: now

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of now pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "now" with a long "o" sound, like "no". This incorrect pronunciation sounds like /noʊ/ in US English. Tip: Focus on the diphthong /aʊ/ in "now".
  2. Overemphasizing the "n": A common mistake is to pronounce "now" with an overly strong "n" sound, making it sound like "n-ow". This can lead to confusion. Tip: Keep the "n" soft, blending it smoothly into the vowel.
  3. Ignoring the "w": Some speakers omit the "w" sound at the end, pronouncing it as "naw". This can be heard as /nɔː/ in UK English. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "w" clearly to maintain the correct sound.
  4. Incorrect stress placement: Learners sometimes stress the wrong syllable or pronounce it as a two-syllable word, which is incorrect. "Now" is a single syllable, pronounced as /naʊ/. Tip: Remember to keep it one syllable with the stress on the vowel sound.
  5. Confusing with "know": Some may pronounce "now" similarly to "know", leading to a mix-up in meaning. "Know" is pronounced /noʊ/ in US English. Tip: Practice distinguishing between the diphthong in "now" and the long vowel in "know".

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct pronunciation of "now"?

The word "now" is pronounced as /naʊ/ in both American and British English. It has a single syllable with the vowel sound resembling that in "how," and the stress is on the only syllable.

Does "now" have any silent letters?

No, the word "now" does not contain any silent letters. Every letter in "now" is pronounced, making it straightforward for learners to say.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "now"?

Some learners might confuse "now" with similar-sounding words like "no" or "now." It's important to emphasize the diphthong /aʊ/ in "now" to distinguish it from these minimal pairs.

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "now" in different regions?

In general, the pronunciation of "now" remains consistent across various English-speaking regions, pronounced as /naʊ/. However, regional accents may slightly affect the vowel quality, but the basic sound remains the same.
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