Learn How to Pronounce potable

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potable

Definition:

(nou) any liquid suitable for drinking

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈpəʊtəbəl

Examples:

The water is potable but not palatable.

The hot water is naturally potable.

There is no potable water available in the park.

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potable

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: potable

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

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Common mistakes of potable pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pot-able" (/ˈpɒt.ə.bəl/ in UK English). The correct stress is on the first syllable: "PO-ta-ble" (/ˈpoʊ.t̬ə.bəl/ in US English). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable to sound natural.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: Some pronounce "potable" with a long "o" sound, saying "po-tay-ble." This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation has a short "o" sound, as in "pot" (/pɒt/ in UK English). Tip: Focus on the short "o" to avoid confusion.
  3. Omitting the second syllable: A common mistake is to pronounce "potable" as "potbl" (/ˈpɒt.bəl/). This skips the middle syllable entirely. Tip: Make sure to articulate all syllables clearly for proper pronunciation.
  4. Confusing with similar words: Learners may confuse "potable" with "portable." While "potable" refers to drinkable water, "portable" has a different meaning and pronunciation (/ˈpɔːr.t̬ə.bəl/ in US English). Tip: Be aware of context to choose the right word.
  5. Overemphasizing the final syllable: Some people stress the last syllable, saying "pot-a-BLE" (/ˈpɒt.ə.bəl/). The correct pronunciation keeps the final syllable unstressed. Tip: Keep the last syllable softer to maintain the correct rhythm.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "potable" in American English?

In American English, "potable" is pronounced as /ˈpoʊ.tə.bəl/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "poh," followed by a schwa sound in the second syllable.

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

Yes, in British English, "potable" is pronounced as /ˈpɒ.tə.bəl/. The first syllable has a short "o" sound, similar to "pot," while the American version has a long "o" sound.

How many syllables are in the word "potable"?

The word "potable" has three syllables: "po-ta-ble." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, making it easy to break down for learners.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "potable"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often putting it on the second syllable instead of the first. Remember to emphasize the "po" in "potable" to ensure correct pronunciation.
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