Learn How to Pronounce terribly

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terribly

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈterəbli

Examples:

The Armenians suffered terribly.

Black played terribly in the second.

The Breakers is humongous and terribly opulent.

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terribly

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: terribly

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

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Common mistakes of terribly pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ter-RIB-ly" instead of the correct "TER-rib-ly" (ˈtɛr.ə.bli). Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some may pronounce the first syllable as "tear" instead of "ter" (ˈtɛr). This can lead to miscommunication. Tip: Practice saying "ter" as in "terrace" to get comfortable with the sound.
  3. Overemphasizing the "r": A common mistake is to overly pronounce the "r" in "terribly," leading to "ter-RIB-ly." This can sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "r" subtle and smooth, focusing more on the stress of the first syllable.
  4. Dropping the final syllable: Some speakers might shorten "terribly" to "terrib," omitting the final "ly." This alters the meaning and clarity. Tip: Always pronounce the complete word, ensuring the "ly" is clear and distinct.
  5. Mispronouncing the "b": Some may confuse the "b" sound, pronouncing it as a "p," resulting in "terri-ply." This changes the word entirely. Tip: Practice saying "b" in other words like "bubble" to reinforce the correct sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "terribly" in American English?

In American English, "terribly" is pronounced as /ˈtɛr.ə.bli/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "ter," and the second syllable has a schwa sound, making it sound like "tuh."

What is the UK pronunciation of "terribly"?

In British English, "terribly" is also pronounced as /ˈtɛr.ə.bli/, similar to the American version. The stress pattern remains the same, with the first syllable emphasized.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "terribly"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress and saying "ter-RIB-ly" instead of "TER-uh-blee." It's important to keep the stress on the first syllable to sound natural.

How many syllables are in the word "terribly"?

The word "terribly" has three syllables: "ter," "ri," and "bly." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the first syllable receiving the primary stress.
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