Learn How to Pronounce then

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then

Definition:

(nou) that time; that moment

Phonetic Transcription:

ðen

Learn more about:
then

Related Words:

later

past

there

How to perfect your pronunciation of: then

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Common mistakes of then pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "then" as "thene," using a long "e" sound. This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is /ðɛn/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the short "e" sound, as in "pen."
Incorrect "th" sound: A common mistake is pronouncing "then" with a "t" sound instead of the correct "th" sound. This leads to saying "ten" (/tɛn/). Tip: Practice the voiced "th" sound by placing your tongue between your teeth.
Stressing the wrong syllable: Some people emphasize the wrong part of "then," making it sound unnatural. "Then" is a single-syllable word with no secondary stress. Tip: Keep your pronunciation smooth and even, focusing on the single syllable.
Overemphasizing the "n": Learners may pronounce "then" with a heavy "n" sound, making it sound like "thenn." The correct pronunciation is /ðɛn/, with a light "n." Tip: Relax your tongue when finishing the word to avoid overemphasis.
Confusing with "than": Some might mix up "then" with "than," leading to mispronunciation. While "than" is pronounced /ðæn/, "then" is /ðɛn/. Tip: Pay attention to the vowel sounds; "then" has a short "e," while "than" has a short "a."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "then"?

In American English, "then" is pronounced as /ðɛn/ with a single syllable and the vowel sound is a short "e" as in "pen." In British English, the pronunciation is the same, /ðɛn/, but may sound slightly different in connected speech.

What is the stress pattern for "then"?

The word "then" has no stress pattern as it is a single syllable word. It is pronounced with a neutral tone, making it easy to integrate into sentences.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "then"?

A common mistake is pronouncing "then" as /θɛn/, using the "th" sound in "think" instead of the correct voiced sound /ð/. This can lead to confusion with the word "ten," which is pronounced /tɛn/.

Is "then" pronounced differently in casual speech?

In casual speech, "then" may be pronounced quickly, sometimes sounding like /ðən/ where the vowel is less distinct. This reduction often occurs in fast conversations or informal settings.