Learn How to Pronounce tell

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tell

Definition:

(nou) a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an Austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successful

Phonetic Transcription:

tel

Examples:

I can tell that she is talking a sooth.

Just be ingenuous, brave and honest, and tell us what you're really saying.

Don't tell me you are too bashful to even show up on the Talk page.

Learn more about:
tell

Related Words:

talk

report

say

How to perfect your pronunciation of: tell

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Common mistakes of tell pronunciation

Dropping the "t": Some speakers may say "tell" as "tel" /tɛl/. This omits the "t" sound, making the word unclear. Tip: Practice emphasizing the "t" by saying "t" before "ell."
Misplacing stress: A common mistake is stressing the second syllable, saying "teLL" instead of the correct "TELL" /tɛl/. This can confuse listeners. Tip: Always stress the first syllable to maintain clarity.
Confusing with "tail": Some may pronounce "tell" as "tail" /teɪl/, which changes the meaning entirely. Tip: Remember that "tell" has a short "e" sound, while "tail" has a long "a" sound.
Overemphasizing the vowel: Saying "tell" with an exaggerated vowel sound, like "tael" /teɪl/, can sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the vowel short and crisp to match the standard pronunciation.
Blending with adjacent words: In fast speech, "tell" can blend into words like "you" to sound like "tellyou." Tip: Practice pausing slightly between words to maintain clarity and prevent blending.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "tell" in American English?

In American English, "tell" is pronounced as /tɛl/ with a single syllable. The vowel sound is a short "e," similar to the "e" in "bed."

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

No, the pronunciation of "tell" is the same in both British and American English, pronounced as /tɛl/. The stress is on the single syllable, making it straightforward to say.

What is the stress pattern for the word "tell"?

The word "tell" has only one syllable, so it carries primary stress by default. You pronounce it as /tɛl/, without any additional syllables or secondary stress.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "tell"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "tell" with a long vowel sound, like saying /teɪl/. Remember to use the short "e" sound, as in /tɛl/, to avoid confusion with similar words like "tail."