Learn How to Pronounce thorough

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thorough

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈθʌrə

Examples:

A thorough analysis of the piece shows the extent of her manipulations.

The plan is very thorough.

I mean to be inexorable, and thorough, not speedy.

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thorough

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: thorough

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Common mistakes of thorough pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "thorough" as /ˈθɔːr.oʊ/ (US) or /ˈθʌr.ə/ (UK). Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable: /ˈθɜːr.ə/ (US) or /ˈθʌr.ə/ (UK).
  2. Ignoring the "ough" sound: Many mispronounce "thorough" by not correctly articulating the "ough" as /ə/. This leads to confusion with words like "through." Tip: Focus on the schwa sound /ə/ to ensure clarity.
  3. Shortening the final sound: Some speakers drop the final "ough" sound, resulting in "thorough" pronounced as /θɔːr/ (US) or /θʌr/ (UK). Tip: Always pronounce the full ending to maintain the integrity of the word.
  4. Confusing with similar words: Learners often mix up "thorough" with "through" or "though," leading to incorrect pronunciation. Tip: Pay attention to the distinct syllable structure of "thorough," which has three syllables: /ˈθɜːr.ə/ (US) or /ˈθʌr.ə/ (UK).
  5. Overemphasizing the "th" sound: Some individuals pronounce "thorough" with an exaggerated "th" sound, making it sound overly harsh. Tip: Keep the "th" soft and relaxed, as in /θ/, to sound more natural.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "thorough" in American English?

In American English, "thorough" is pronounced as /ˈθɜroʊ/. The stress is on the first syllable, and the "ough" sounds like "oh."

What is the British pronunciation of "thorough"?

In British English, "thorough" is pronounced as /ˈθʌrə/. Here, the first syllable is stressed, and the "ough" is pronounced like the "u" in "cup."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "thorough"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing the "ough" as "off" or "oof." Remember, it should sound like "oh" in American English and "uh" in British English.

How many syllables are in the word "thorough"?

The word "thorough" has two syllables. It is pronounced as "thur-ough," with the first syllable stressed.
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