Learn How to Pronounce surplus
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How to pronounce:
surplus
Definition:
(nou) a quantity much larger than is needed
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈsɜːpləs
Examples:
The surplus products are in the basement.
The goal of the capitalist is to produce surplus value.
The surplus is the candidate's vote minus the quota.
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Common mistakes of surplus pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "sur-ˈplus" instead of the correct "ˈsɜr-pləs". Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable to pronounce "surplus" correctly.
- Vowel confusion: Some may pronounce the first syllable as "sər" instead of "sɜr". This can lead to a less clear pronunciation. Tip: Practice saying "sir" to get the "ɜr" sound right.
- Overemphasizing the "s": A common mistake is to overly stress the "s" at the beginning, making it sound like "sʌr-plus". Tip: Keep the "s" soft and blend it smoothly with the following vowel sound.
- Ignoring the schwa: Learners often neglect the schwa sound in the second syllable, pronouncing it as "plus" instead of "pləs". Tip: Remember that the second syllable is unstressed; practice saying "pləs" softly.
- Lengthening the final "s": Some may incorrectly pronounce the final "s" as a long sound, saying "surplus" like "surplu:s". Tip: Keep the final "s" short and crisp to achieve the correct pronunciation.