Learn How to Pronounce prepare

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prepare

Phonetic Transcription:

prɪˈpeə

Examples:

The troupe prepare for the show.

Bargain hunters prepare to swoop.

Don't be in such a hurry to prepare for the competition.

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prepare

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: prepare

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Common mistakes of prepare pronunciation

  1. Incorrect stress placement: Some learners place stress on the second syllable, saying "pre-'pare". The correct pronunciation is "prɪˈpɛr" in US English and "prɪˈpeə" in UK English. Tip: Remember to stress the second syllable.
  2. Vowel confusion: A common mistake is mispronouncing the vowel sound in the first syllable, saying "pee-'pare" instead of "prɪ-'pare". This alters the meaning. Tip: Focus on using the short "i" sound as in "bit".
  3. Dropping the initial sound: Some people may omit the "pr" sound, pronouncing it as "e-'pare". This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "pr" clearly, starting with "p".
  4. Mispronouncing the final sound: A frequent error is saying "prepare" with a silent "e", like "prep-'air". The correct pronunciation ends with a clear "r" sound. Tip: Practice ending with "ɛr" in US or "eə" in UK to maintain clarity.
  5. Overemphasizing the final syllable: Some speakers stress the last syllable too much, saying "pre-'PAIR". The correct stress is on the second syllable. Tip: Keep the emphasis balanced, focusing on the second syllable instead.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "prepare" in American English?

In American English, "prepare" is pronounced as /prɪˈpɛr/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "pare," which makes it sound like "pri-PAIR."

What is the British pronunciation of "prepare"?

In British English, "prepare" is pronounced as /prɪˈpeə/. The primary stress is still on the second syllable, but the vowel sound is more like "pair" than "pare."

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

Yes, in the American pronunciation of "prepare," the first syllable can have a schwa sound, making it sound like "pruh-PAIR." This often happens in casual speech.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "prepare"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "PRE-pare" instead of "prɪ-PEAR." Remember that the stress is on the second syllable to pronounce it correctly.
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