Learn How to Pronounce sure

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How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

sure

Phonetic Transcription:

ʃʊə

Examples:

I am sure this will be the cause of much merriment in certain circles.

Are you sure of the location of the photo

I'm not sure of the point of this ideogram.

Learn more about:
sure

Related Words:

certain

positive

established

How to perfect your pronunciation of: sure

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say sure 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

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Common mistakes of sure pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Many learners pronounce "sure" as /ʃʊr/ instead of /ʃʊər/ in UK and /ʃʊr/ in US. This can lead to confusion with similar words. Tip: Focus on the "ur" sound, making it more like "your."
Incorrect stress placement: Some people place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "su-RE" instead of the correct "SURE." This affects clarity. Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable, as in /ʃʊr/.
Overemphasizing the "r": Non-native speakers may pronounce "sure" with an exaggerated "r" sound, making it sound unnatural. In both US and UK pronunciations, the "r" should be subtle. Tip: Keep the "r" soft and smooth.
Confusing with "surely": Some learners blend "sure" with "surely," leading to mispronunciation. "Sure" is pronounced /ʃʊr/ in US and /ʃʊə/ in UK. Tip: Practice saying "sure" clearly and separately from "surely."
Adding an extra syllable: A common mistake is pronouncing "sure" as three syllables, like "shur-ee," instead of the correct two. This can sound awkward. Tip: Keep it simple and pronounce it as a single, smooth syllable.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "sure" in American English?

In American English, "sure" is pronounced as /ʃʊr/ with a single syllable. The stress is on the "sh" sound at the beginning, making it sound like "shur."

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

Yes, in British English, "sure" is pronounced as /ʃɔː/ with a longer vowel sound. This makes it sound more like "shaw" compared to the American pronunciation.

What is the correct stress pattern for the word "sure"?

The word "sure" has one syllable and is stressed on the first sound, /ʃ/. It does not have a secondary stress, making it straightforward to pronounce.

Are there common mistakes people make when pronouncing "sure"?

Many learners may confuse "sure" with "shore" or "sore," which are homophones in some accents. It's important to emphasize the "sh" sound clearly to avoid confusion.