Learn How to Pronounce short

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short

Definition:

(nou) the location on a baseball field where the shortstop is stationed (nou) accidental contact between two points in an electric circuit that have a potential difference (nou) the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed between second and third base

Phonetic Transcription:

ʃɔːt

Examples:

The cortege then travelled the short distance to Stormont.

The route follows the short length of the shoreline.

The discussion was prematurely cut short by the redirect.

Learn more about:
short

Related Words:

distance

length

How to perfect your pronunciation of: short

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

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Common mistakes of short pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Some learners place stress incorrectly, saying "SHORt" instead of "SHO.rt". Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable, "SHO", and the second syllable is lighter.
Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing "short" with a long vowel, as in "shooort". This can lead to confusion with "short" /ʃɔrt/ (US) and /ʃɔːt/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the short "o" sound, like in "caught".
Overemphasizing the "t": Some speakers pronounce "short" with an exaggerated "t" sound, making it sound like "shorT". Tip: The "t" should be pronounced clearly but not overly emphasized; it should blend smoothly with the preceding vowel.
Mixing up similar words: Learners may confuse "short" with "sort" or "shout". These words have different vowel sounds and meanings. Tip: Practice minimal pairs like "short" /ʃɔrt/ (US) and "sort" /sɔrt/ (US) to distinguish the sounds.
Dropping the "h": In fast speech, some might drop the "h", saying "sort" instead of "short". Tip: Ensure to pronounce the "h" sound clearly to differentiate "short" from similar words.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "short" in American English?

In American English, "short" is pronounced as /ʃɔrt/ with the stress on the only syllable. The "sh" sounds like "sh" in "ship," and the "or" is pronounced like "or" in "more."

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

Yes, in British English, "short" is pronounced as /ʃɔːt/, where the "or" is more elongated. The vowel sound is slightly different, sounding more like "aw" in "law."

What is the syllable structure of the word "short"?

The word "short" has one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. This can make it easier to pronounce for learners, as there are no additional syllables to consider.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "short"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing the "or" sound, which can lead to confusion with words like "sort." It's important to ensure the "sh" is clear, and the "or" is pronounced correctly to distinguish it from similar words.