Learn How to Pronounce several

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several

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈsevrəl

Examples:

There are several customers at the till.

There are several facets to this desideratum.

Learn more about:
several

Related Words:

few

little

some

How to perfect your pronunciation of: several

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of several pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the first syllable, saying "SEV-er-al" instead of the correct "SEV-er-al" (ˈsɛv.ər.əl). Tip: Focus on the primary stress on the first syllable to sound more natural.
Omitting the schwa: It's common to drop the schwa sound in the second syllable, leading to "sev-ral." This can make "several" (ˈsɛv.ər.əl) sound incomplete. Tip: Practice saying the full word, ensuring you include the schwa sound.
Confusing vowel sounds: Some might pronounce the "e" in "several" as a long vowel, saying "seeev-er-al." However, it should be pronounced with a short vowel sound (ˈsɛv). Tip: Listen to native speakers to catch the correct short vowel sound.
Incorrect syllable count: Learners sometimes treat "several" as a two-syllable word, pronouncing it "sev-ral." The correct pronunciation has three syllables (ˈsɛv.ər.əl). Tip: Break the word down into its three syllables when practicing.
Overemphasizing the "r": Some learners may overemphasize the "r" sound, saying "sev-er-al" with a strong "r." This can distort the pronunciation. Tip: Keep the "r" soft and blend it smoothly into the following vowel sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "several"?

In American English, "several" is pronounced as /ˈsɛv.ər.əl/ with the primary stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is pronounced the same way, /ˈsɛv.ər.əl/, maintaining the stress on the first syllable as well.

What is the syllable breakdown for "several"?

The word "several" has three syllables: "sev," "er," and "al." You can break it down phonetically as /ˈsɛv.ər.əl/, which helps in pronouncing each part clearly.

Is there a schwa sound in "several"?

Yes, "several" contains a schwa sound in the second syllable, pronounced as "er" /ər/. This unstressed vowel sound makes the pronunciation smoother and faster.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "several"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing it as "sev-er-al" with equal emphasis on all syllables. Remember to stress the first syllable, so it sounds like /ˈsɛv.ər.əl/ instead.