Learn How to Pronounce properly

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properly

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈprɒpəli

Examples:

The admin closed the debate properly.

The caparison is not an issue if properly constructed.

The closer properly closed the debate.

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properly

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: properly

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Common mistakes of properly pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "pro-PER-ly" instead of "PRO-per-ly". Tip: Focus on the primary stress in "properly" which is on the first syllable, marked as ˈprɒp.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some may pronounce "properly" with a short "o" sound, saying "prɑp-er-ly" instead of using the correct vowel sound "ɒ". Tip: Practice the "o" in "properly" to ensure it sounds like "ɒ" as in "lot".
  3. Missing syllable: A common mistake is to reduce "properly" to two syllables, saying "PROP-ly" instead of the correct three. Tip: Remember that "properly" has three distinct syllables: "PRO-per-ly".
  4. Final "ly" sound: Learners sometimes pronounce the "ly" at the end as "lee" instead of "li". Tip: Emphasize the short "i" sound in "ly", which is pronounced as "li" in IPA /li/.
  5. Overemphasis on "r": Some speakers may overemphasize the "r" sound in "properly", making it sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "r" subtle and smooth, focusing on the flow of the word rather than isolating the consonant.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "properly" in English?

In American English, "properly" is pronounced as /ˈprɑːpərli/ with the stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is pronounced as /ˈprɒpəli/, also with the first syllable stressed.

What are the syllables in "properly"?

The word "properly" has three syllables: "prop-er-ly." The first syllable "prop" is stressed, while the other two are pronounced more softly.

Is there a schwa sound in "properly"?

Yes, "properly" contains a schwa sound in the second syllable. The "e" in "er" is pronounced as a schwa /ə/, making it sound like "prop-ər-ly."

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

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "pro-per-ly" instead of "prop-er-ly." Additionally, some may pronounce the second syllable too strongly, which can lead to confusion.
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