Learn How to Pronounce pause

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pause

Definition:

(nou) a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something (nou) temporary inactivity

Phonetic Transcription:

pɔːz

Examples:

The student cannot pause the test.

This number is the requested duration of the pause.

In the second day, there was a momentary pause in the combat.

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pause

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: pause

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

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Common mistakes of pause pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "pause" with a long "o" sound, like in "rose." The correct pronunciation is /pɔːz/ in UK English and /pɔz/ in US English. Tip: Focus on the short "aw" sound to avoid confusion.
  2. Ignoring the "s" sound: A common mistake is to drop the "s" at the end of "pause," making it sound like "paw." This alters the meaning entirely. Tip: Ensure you clearly pronounce the "s" to maintain the word's integrity.
  3. Incorrect stress placement: Some may stress the second syllable, saying "pa-USE." However, "pause" is a single-syllable word with no secondary stress. Tip: Emphasize the "p" and "aw" sounds without adding extra syllables.
  4. Overemphasizing "p": Learners might pronounce "pause" as "paws," overly stressing the "p" sound. The correct pronunciation is softer, with a balanced emphasis. Tip: Practice saying "pause" smoothly to achieve the right flow.
  5. Confusing with "cause": Some speakers mix up "pause" with "cause," which can lead to miscommunication. "Pause" has a distinct sound /pɔːz/ or /pɔz/, while "cause" is /kɔːz/ or /kɔz/. Tip: Listen to native speakers to distinguish between these words clearly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "pause" in American English?

In American English, "pause" is pronounced as /pɔz/ with a single syllable. The vowel sound is similar to the "aw" in "saw," and the "z" at the end is voiced.

What is the British pronunciation of "pause"?

In British English, "pause" is pronounced as /pɔːz/, where the vowel sound is longer. The pronunciation is still similar to the American version but with a noticeable lengthening of the vowel.

Is there a schwa sound in "pause"?

No, there is no schwa sound in "pause." The word has a clear vowel sound, pronounced as /pɔz/ in American English and /pɔːz/ in British English, without any unstressed syllables.

What common mistakes do people make when pronouncing "pause"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "pause" as /pɔs/, dropping the voiced "z" sound at the end. It's important to ensure that the final sound is voiced to clearly articulate the word.
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