Learn How to Pronounce propose

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propose

Phonetic Transcription:

prəˈpəʊz

Examples:

I suggest you propose an amendment to the board.

The aim of this paper is to propose answers to some fundamental questions.

Unless someone can offer other evidence, I propose this be removed.

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propose

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: propose

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Common mistakes of propose pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "pro-ˈpose". This is incorrect. The primary stress is on the last syllable: "pro-ˈpose". Tip: Remember to emphasize the "pose" when pronouncing the word.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing the first syllable with a short vowel sound, saying "prə-ˈpose". The correct pronunciation uses a long "o" sound: "pro-ˈpose". Tip: Focus on the long "o" sound as in "go".
  3. Adding an extra syllable: Some people mistakenly say "pro-ˈpo-s" instead of "pro-ˈpose". This adds an unnecessary syllable. Tip: Practice saying the word smoothly in one breath to maintain the correct syllable count.
  4. Confusing with "propose" and "proposition": Learners sometimes confuse "propose" with "proposition", leading to mispronunciation. "Propose" is pronounced "pro-ˈpose", while "proposition" is "ˌprɒp.əˈzɪʃ.ən". Tip: Distinguish the words by practicing them separately.
  5. Overemphasizing the "r": Some speakers place too much emphasis on the "r" sound, saying "pror-ˈpose". The correct pronunciation is smoother: "pro-ˈpose". Tip: Relax your mouth and focus on the flow of the word to avoid overemphasis.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "propose"?

In American English, "propose" is pronounced as /prəˈpoʊz/, with the stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced as /prəˈpəʊz/, also stressing the second syllable.

What does the schwa sound in "propose" represent?

The first syllable in "propose" has a schwa sound, pronounced as /prə/. This sound is weak and often found in unstressed syllables, making it sound like "pruh."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "propose"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "PRO-pose" instead of "pro-POSE." Remember, the stress is on the second syllable, which is crucial for correct pronunciation.

Is there a difference in pronunciation between "propose" and "compose"?

Yes, "propose" /prəˈpoʊz/ has a different vowel sound in the second syllable compared to "compose" /kəmˈpoʊz/. Pay attention to the initial consonant sounds as well, which change the meaning entirely.
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