Learn How to Pronounce substantial

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:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

substantial

Phonetic Transcription:

səbˈstænʃəl

Examples:

The amount of gold is substantial.

The breed is substantial and viable.

For the vendor the benefits are also substantial.

Learn more about:

substantial

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: substantial

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say substantial 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 substantial in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with substantial.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of substantial pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "sub-ˈstan-tial." The correct stress is on the third syllable: "səb-ˈstæn-ʧəl" (US), "səb-ˈstæn-ʧəl" (UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize "stæn" when pronouncing "substantial".
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some may pronounce the first syllable as "sub" with a long "u" sound, as in "sue." The correct pronunciation is a schwa sound: "səb." Tip: Practice saying "sub" quickly to get the correct schwa sound.
  3. Final syllable mispronunciation: Learners often pronounce the last syllable as "-tial" with a clear "t" sound. The correct pronunciation is "-ʧəl," with a soft "ch" sound. Tip: Focus on the "-ʧəl" ending to sound more natural.
  4. Overemphasis on syllables: Some people may overemphasize the syllables, making it sound choppy, like "sub-stan-tial." The smooth pronunciation is "səb-ˈstæn-ʧəl." Tip: Practice saying the word in a fluid manner to maintain rhythm.
  5. Dropping the schwa: Some learners might drop the schwa sound in the first syllable, leading to "s-ˈtan-tial." The correct pronunciation includes the schwa: "səb." Tip: Always include the schwa to keep the pronunciation accurate and clear.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "substantial" in American English?

In American English, "substantial" is pronounced as /səbˈstænʧəl/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "stan."

What is the British pronunciation of "substantial"?

In British English, "substantial" is also pronounced /səbˈstænʧəl/, similar to American English. The stress remains on the second syllable, "stan."

Does "substantial" have a schwa sound in it?

Yes, "substantial" contains a schwa sound in the first syllable, pronounced as "sub." This makes it sound softer and less emphasized compared to the stressed syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "substantial"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as saying /ˈsʌb.stæn.ʧəl/ instead of /səbˈstænʧəl/. Remember to stress the second syllable to pronounce it correctly.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime