Learn How to Pronounce telling

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telling

Definition:

(nou) an act of narration (nou) informing by words (nou) disclosing information or giving evidence about another

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈtelɪŋ

Examples:

The comparison of the tables is telling.

The picture is the most telling.

The story is irresistible, as is the telling.

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telling

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: telling

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Common mistakes of telling pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners might incorrectly stress the second syllable, pronouncing it as "te-LING" instead of the correct "TEL-ling" (ˈtɛl.ɪŋ). Tip: Focus on placing stress on the first syllable for clarity.
  2. Omitting the vowel sound: A common mistake is dropping the vowel sound in the second syllable, saying "TEL-ng" instead of "telling" (ˈtɛl.ɪŋ). Tip: Practice the "ɪ" sound to ensure both syllables are pronounced.
  3. Mispronouncing the "t" sound: Some may pronounce "telling" with a soft "t," sounding like "delling." The correct pronunciation is with a clear "t" (ˈtɛl.ɪŋ). Tip: Emphasize the "t" by practicing with words that start with "t."
  4. Confusing with similar words: Learners might confuse "telling" with "tilling," leading to mispronunciation. "Telling" has the stress on the first syllable (ˈtɛl.ɪŋ). Tip: Listen to native speakers to distinguish between similar-sounding words.
  5. Incorrect vowel length: Some might pronounce the "e" too short, saying "teling" without the "l" sound. The correct form is "telling" (ˈtɛl.ɪŋ). Tip: Stretch the "e" sound slightly to maintain the correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "telling" in American English?

In American English, "telling" is pronounced as /ˈtɛlɪŋ/. The first syllable has primary stress, and the "e" sounds like the short "e" in "bed."

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

In British English, "telling" is also pronounced as /ˈtɛlɪŋ/, so there is no significant difference in pronunciation between the two variants. Both use the same vowel sound and stress pattern.

What is the syllable breakdown for the word "telling"?

The word "telling" has two syllables: "tell" and "ing." The first syllable "tell" is stressed, while the second syllable "ing" is pronounced with a schwa sound, making it softer.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "telling"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, which should be on the first syllable "tell." Additionally, some may pronounce the "ing" too strongly, instead of softening it to sound like "in."
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