Learn How to Pronounce pretty

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pretty

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈprɪti

Examples:

It is pretty much the definition of diligence.

It's pretty much at the whim of the maker.

That's pretty much the definition of obstructive.

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pretty

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: pretty

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Common mistakes of pretty pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "pre-tty" instead of "pret-ty". This leads to confusion. Tip: Remember that in "pretty" the primary stress is on the first syllable: /ˈprɪti/ (US), /ˈprɪti/ (UK).
  2. Overemphasizing the "t": A common mistake is to pronounce the "t" too strongly, sounding like "prit-ty". This can sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "t" soft and quick, as in /ˈprɪti/, to maintain smoothness.
  3. Vowel sound confusion: Some may confuse the vowel sound in "pretty" with other similar words, pronouncing it as "prity" with a long "i". This alters the meaning. Tip: Focus on the short "i" sound /ɪ/ in "pretty" to get it right.
  4. Adding an extra syllable: A frequent error is saying "prett-y" with three syllables instead of two. This makes the word sound awkward. Tip: Practice saying "pretty" smoothly as a two-syllable word: /ˈprɪti/.
  5. Ignoring the vowel reduction: In fast speech, some might pronounce "pretty" with a clearer "e" sound, like "prett-ee". This can sound exaggerated. Tip: In casual conversation, allow the vowel to reduce slightly, maintaining the /ˈprɪti/ pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "pretty" in American English?

In American English, "pretty" is pronounced as /ˈprɪti/. The first syllable has primary stress, making it sound crisp and clear.

What is the British pronunciation of "pretty"?

In British English, "pretty" is also pronounced as /ˈprɪti/, so the pronunciation is the same as in American English. Both accents emphasize the first syllable.

Does "pretty" have a schwa sound in it?

No, "pretty" does not contain a schwa sound. The vowel sound in the second syllable is pronounced as a clear "i," represented by /i/.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "pretty"?

A common mistake is to pronounce "pretty" with an extra syllable, making it sound like /ˈprɪtiː/. Remember, it should have just two syllables, with the second syllable being short.
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