Learn How to Pronounce only

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Listen to the pronunciation:

only

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈəʊnli

Examples:

This is the only unique token in the game.

Allah is unique, the only Deity, creator of the universe and omnipotent.

It is unique in that it is the only cormorant that has lost the ability to fly.

Learn more about:
only

Related Words:

one

unique

single

How to perfect your pronunciation of: only

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of only pronunciation

Common vowel confusion: Some learners pronounce "only" with an incorrect vowel sound, saying /ˈoʊnli/ instead of /ˈəʊnli/ in UK English. Tip: Focus on the "o" sound, ensuring it is pronounced as "oh" in US English and "oh" in UK English.
Misplacing stress: A frequent mistake is stressing the second syllable, saying "on-'ly" instead of the correct "'on-ly." Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable, as it carries the primary stress in both US and UK pronunciations.
Overemphasizing the "l": Some may pronounce "only" with an overly strong "l," sounding like "on-lee." This can distort the word. Tip: Keep the "l" sound soft and fluid, ensuring it blends smoothly into the following vowel.
Incorrect syllable division: Learners sometimes split "only" into two distinct syllables, saying "on-lee." This is incorrect. Tip: Practice saying "only" as one fluid word, merging the sounds of both syllables together.
Ignoring the "y" sound: Some people omit the "y" sound at the end, pronouncing it as "on-lee." This results in a loss of clarity. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "y" clearly, as it is essential for the proper articulation of "only."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "only" in American English?

In American English, "only" is pronounced as /ˈoʊnli/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "oh," followed by a quick "nlee."

What is the British pronunciation of "only"?

In British English, "only" is also pronounced as /ˈəʊnli/. The primary stress remains on the first syllable, but the vowel sound in the first part is more like "oh" in "go."

Does "only" have a schwa sound in its pronunciation?

Yes, the second syllable of "only" contains a schwa sound, represented as /li/. This makes it sound quick and less emphasized compared to the first syllable.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "only"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, which can lead to saying "ON-ly" instead of "ON-ly." Remember to keep the stress on the first syllable to sound natural.