Learn How to Pronounce simple

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simple

Definition:

(nou) any herbaceous plant having medicinal properties (nou) a person lacking intelligence or common sense

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈsɪmpəl

Examples:

It was easy to blow and the fingering was simple.

The photos are clear, simple, and not at all prurient.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: simple

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Common mistakes of simple pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "sim-PL" instead of "SIM-ple". Tip: Remember the primary stress is on the first syllable, /ˈsɪm.pəl/ (US) and /ˈsɪm.pl̩/ (UK).
  2. Overemphasizing vowels: Some pronounce "simple" with overly pronounced vowels, leading to "SIM-puhl". Tip: Keep the vowel sound short and relaxed; it should be a quick /ɪ/ sound, not prolonged.
  3. Omitting the final sound: A common mistake is dropping the final /l/ sound, resulting in "SIM-pə". Tip: Ensure to articulate the /l/ clearly at the end of "simple" to maintain clarity in your speech.
  4. Confusing with "simply": Learners sometimes confuse "simple" with "simply", altering the pronunciation. Tip: Focus on the distinct endings; "simple" ends with /pəl/ while "simply" ends with /pli/.
  5. Adding an extra syllable: Some may pronounce "simple" as if it has three syllables, saying "SIM-plee". Tip: Remember, "simple" has only two syllables; practice saying it quickly to reinforce the correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "simple" in American English?

In American English, "simple" is pronounced as /ˈsɪm.pəl/. The first syllable is stressed, and the "i" sounds like the short vowel in "sit."

What is the British pronunciation of "simple"?

In British English, "simple" is pronounced the same way as in American English, /ˈsɪm.pəl/. The stress remains on the first syllable, making it consistent across both dialects.

How many syllables are in the word "simple"?

The word "simple" has two syllables: "sim" and "ple." The first syllable is stressed, which is typical for many two-syllable words in English.

Is there a schwa sound in "simple"?

Yes, the second syllable of "simple" contains a schwa sound, which is represented by the "e" in the IPA /ˈsɪm.pəl/. This makes the second syllable less emphasized, contributing to the word's smooth pronunciation.
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