Learn How to Pronounce unexpectedly

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unexpectedly

Phonetic Transcription:

ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli

Examples:

The vagary begins randomly and unexpectedly.

At the opening session the chancellor unexpectedly appeared.

Bernard died unexpectedly of peritonitis in London.

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unexpectedly

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: unexpectedly

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

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Common mistakes of unexpectedly pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable "un-ˈexpected-ly" instead of the correct first syllable "ˈun-expected-ly". Tip: Focus on the primary stress in the first syllable to sound more natural.
  2. Vowel confusion: Some may pronounce the "u" in "unexpectedly" as "ʌ" instead of "ə". This can lead to a mispronunciation of the word. Tip: Practice the schwa sound "ə" to ensure clarity in unstressed syllables.
  3. Syllable reduction: It's common to overemphasize the last syllable "ly" as "li" instead of the correct "li". Many say "un-expected-'li" instead of "un-expected-ly". Tip: Keep the last syllable light and quick to maintain proper flow.
  4. Consonant blending: Learners might blend the "ct" sound, pronouncing it as "t" instead of "kt". This results in "un-expected-ly" sounding like "un-epes-'ly". Tip: Practice the "kt" cluster separately to enhance articulation.
  5. Omitting sounds: Some speakers may drop the "d" in "unexpectedly", saying "un-expec-tly" instead. This can make the word unclear. Tip: Ensure to pronounce all sounds distinctly, especially in longer words.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "unexpectedly" in American English?

In American English, "unexpectedly" is pronounced as /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktədli/. The primary stress is on the third syllable, "spɛk," while the first syllable has a secondary stress.

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

No, there is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "unexpectedly" between British and American English. Both use the same IPA notation: /ˌʌnɪkˈspɛktədli/.

What syllable is stressed in the word "unexpectedly"?

The word "unexpectedly" has its primary stress on the third syllable, "spɛk." The first syllable, "un," has a secondary stress, making it important to emphasize the correct parts when pronouncing the word.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "unexpectedly"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, often stressing the first syllable instead of the third. It's essential to focus on the correct syllable to ensure clarity in speech.
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