Learn How to Pronounce rough

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rough

Definition:

(nou) the part of a golf course bordering the fairway where the grass is not cut short

Phonetic Transcription:

rʌf

Examples:

That's the rough outline of the story.

The surface of the pupa is rough.

Explanation of the kinematics is also rough.

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rough

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: rough

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Break rough down into individual sounds such as rʌf. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Common mistakes of rough pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners may pronounce "rough" with a long "o" sound, as in "row". The correct pronunciation is /rʌf/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the short "u" sound, similar to "cup".
  2. Ignoring the final "gh": Many people overlook the "gh" ending in "rough", mistakenly pronouncing it as "ruf". The correct pronunciation is /rʌf/. Tip: Remember that "gh" is silent in this context, making the word sound more like "ruff".
  3. Overemphasizing the "r": Some might pronounce "rough" with a strong emphasis on the "r", leading to an unnatural sound. The correct stress is on the first syllable, /rʌf/. Tip: Keep the "r" soft and blend it smoothly with the vowel.
  4. Confusing "rough" with "tough": Learners sometimes mix up "rough" and "tough", pronouncing them similarly. While both are pronounced /rʌf/ and /tʌf/, they have different meanings. Tip: Practice saying each word separately to distinguish their sounds and meanings.
  5. Mispronouncing in connected speech: In rapid speech, learners may alter "rough" to sound like "ruff" or "raaf". The correct pronunciation remains /rʌf/. Tip: Slow down your speech to ensure clarity and maintain the correct vowel sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "rough" in American English?

In American English, "rough" is pronounced as /rʌf/, with the vowel sound similar to "cup." The stress is on the single syllable.

What is the British pronunciation of "rough"?

In British English, "rough" is also pronounced as /rʌf/, maintaining the same vowel sound. The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British accents.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "rough"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing the vowel sound, making it sound like "roof." Remember, the correct vowel in "rough" is the short "u" as in "cup."

How many syllables are in the word "rough"?

The word "rough" has one syllable, pronounced as /rʌf/. It is a simple, straightforward word in terms of syllable structure.
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