Learn How to Pronounce small
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How to pronounce:
small
Definition:
(nou) the slender part of the back (nou) a garment size for a small person
Phonetic Transcription:
smɔːl
Examples:
Subtract the small number from the larger.
The moustache looks a bit small but the face seems possible.
Drachma is the captain of the small fishing airship, 'Little Jack'.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: small
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Break small down into individual sounds such as smɔːl. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.
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Common mistakes of small pronunciation
- Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "small" as /smɔl/ instead of the correct /smɔːl/ in UK English and /smɑl/ in US English. Tip: Focus on elongating the vowel sound to match the correct pronunciation.
- Ignoring the "s" sound: A common mistake is to pronounce "small" as /mɔl/ or /mɑl/, dropping the initial "s." Tip: Ensure to clearly articulate the "s" sound at the beginning to avoid confusion.
- Overemphasizing the "l": Some learners may overemphasize the "l" in "small," leading to a pronunciation like /smɔːlʌ/ or /smɑːlʌ/. Tip: Keep the "l" sound soft and blend it naturally with the preceding vowel.
- Incorrect stress placement: Learners sometimes stress the wrong syllable, saying "small" as /ˈsmɔːl/ instead of the correct unstressed version. Tip: Remember that "small" is a single-syllable word; the stress remains on the vowel sound itself.
- Confusing with similar words: It's easy to mix up "small" with "smell" or "smile," leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Practice distinguishing these words by focusing on their unique vowel sounds and consonant endings.