Learn How to Pronounce protect

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protect

Phonetic Transcription:

prəˈtekt

Examples:

The Germans took care to protect the secrecy of their undercover activities.

Scarves and kerchiefs are used to protect styled hair or keep it tidy.

They are there to protect the unwary.

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protect

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: protect

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Common mistakes of protect pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pro-TECT" instead of the correct "PRO-tect" (/prəˈtɛkt/ in US, /prəˈtɛkt/ in UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some may pronounce "protect" with a long "o" sound, like "pro-tect" (/proʊˈtɛkt/). This is incorrect. Tip: Use the short "o" sound as in "uh" to achieve the right pronunciation.
  3. Silent letters: Learners sometimes omit the "t" sound, saying "pro-ec" (/prəˈɛk/) instead of "protect". Tip: Make sure to clearly articulate the "t" sound to avoid confusion.
  4. Ending sound: A common mistake is to pronounce "protect" with a soft "k" sound, as in "protect" (/prəˈtɛk/). Tip: Ensure the "t" at the end is pronounced clearly, as it is a hard sound.
  5. Overemphasis on syllables: Some speakers may overly stress each syllable, saying "PRO-TECT" with equal emphasis. Tip: Focus on the primary stress in the first syllable for natural-sounding pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "protect" in American English?

In American English, "protect" is pronounced as /prəˈtɛkt/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "tekt."

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

Yes, in British English, "protect" is also pronounced as /prəˈtɛkt/, similar to American English. However, some speakers may pronounce the first syllable slightly more clearly, making it sound like "pruh-tect."

What is the syllable breakdown for "protect"?

"Protect" has two syllables: "pro-" and "-tect." The first syllable is a schwa sound /prə/, while the second syllable carries the primary stress.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "protect"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as saying /ˈprɒtɛkt/ instead of /prəˈtɛkt/. It's important to emphasize the second syllable to pronounce "protect" correctly.
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