Learn How to Pronounce sly
Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!
Find your word:
Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!
How to pronounce:
sly
Phonetic Transcription:
slaɪ
Examples:
He is sly and sneaky.
He is sly and wily.
The argumentation is sly and shameful.
Learn more about:sly
Related Words:
How to perfect your pronunciation of: sly
Learn Individual Sounds
Break sly down into individual sounds such as slaɪ. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.
Copy Others
Use the tools above to find out how different people say sly in their accents, then try to repeat after them.
Pick an Accent
Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.
Record Yourself
Say sly in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with sly.
Get a Native Tutor
Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.
Common mistakes of sly pronunciation
- Misplacing the vowel sound: Some may pronounce "sly" with a long "i" sound, like "slee." The correct pronunciation is /slaɪ/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the diphthong "ai" to achieve the right sound.
- Overemphasizing the "s" sound: A common mistake is overpronouncing the initial "s" in "sly," making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is /slaɪ/, where the "s" is soft and blends smoothly into the vowel. Tip: Practice saying "sly" quickly to soften the "s."
- Ignoring the "y" sound: Some learners may drop the "y" sound at the end, pronouncing it as "sl." The correct pronunciation is /slaɪ/, where the "y" is essential for the word's clarity. Tip: Emphasize the "y" to ensure the word flows naturally.
- Confusing with similar words: Learners often confuse "sly" with "slyly" or "slyness," mispronouncing the base word. "Sly" is pronounced /slaɪ/, while the others have additional syllables. Tip: Practice "sly" in isolation to distinguish it from related words.
- Incorrect stress placement: Some may incorrectly stress the second syllable or misplace stress entirely. However, "sly" is a one-syllable word, pronounced /slaɪ/. Tip: Remember that single-syllable words have no internal stress; keep it simple.