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unusual

Phonetic Transcription:

ʌnˈjuːʒʊəl

Examples:

The Dracula minnow has evolved many unique and unusual characteristics.

Their unique gifts, however, were typically their unusual solidity and strength.

The snob effect refers to the desire to own unusual, expensive or unique goods.

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unusual

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: unusual

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Common mistakes of unusual pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "un-ˈjuː-əl". The correct stress is on the third syllable: "ʌn-ˈjuː-ʒu-əl". Tip: Focus on emphasizing the "ju" sound.
  2. Vowel confusion: Some may mispronounce the first vowel, saying "ʌ" as in "cup" instead of "ʌ" as in "fun". This can lead to "ʌn-ˈjuː-ʒəl". Tip: Practice the "ʌ" sound by comparing it to "fun".
  3. Missing the "z" sound: A common mistake is omitting the "z" sound in the second syllable, resulting in "ʌn-ˈjuː-əl". The correct pronunciation includes a "z": "ʌn-ˈjuː-ʒu-əl". Tip: Listen for the "z" in "measure" to help.
  4. Final syllable mispronunciation: Some learners pronounce the last syllable as "əl" instead of "əl". This leads to "ʌn-ˈjuː-əl". The accurate pronunciation is "ʌn-ˈjuː-ʒu-əl". Tip: Practice saying "individual" to master the ending sound.
  5. Overemphasizing "un": Learners sometimes stress the prefix "un" too much, making it sound like "ʌn-ˈjuː-ʒəl". The stress should remain on "ju": "ʌn-ˈjuː-ʒu-əl". Tip: Keep "un" soft and focus on the "ju" sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "unusual" correctly?

The word "unusual" is pronounced as /ʌnˈjuːʒuəl/ in American English and /ʌnˈjuːʒ(ə)l/ in British English. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "ju," making it sound like "un-YOO-zhuhl."

What are the syllables in "unusual"?

"Unusual" has four syllables: "un," "u," "su," and "al." You can break it down as "un-YOO-zhuhl" for easier pronunciation.

Is there a schwa sound in "unusual"?

Yes, the "a" in "unusual" can be pronounced as a schwa sound, which is a quick, relaxed sound like "uh." This occurs in the last syllable, making it sound softer and less stressed.

What common mistakes do people make when saying "unusual"?

Many learners may stress the wrong syllable or mispronounce the "u" sounds. Remember to emphasize the second syllable and keep the "zh" sound clear to avoid confusion.
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