Learn How to Pronounce upward
Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!
Find your word:
Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!
How to pronounce:
upward
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈʌpwəd
Examples:
It's upward parallel to the plane of the equator.
The sides of the lip curl upward.
Such upward movement is enhanced by the buoyancy of the piston.
Learn more about:upward
Related Words:
How to perfect your pronunciation of: upward
Learn Individual Sounds
Break upward down into individual sounds such as ˈʌpwəd. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.
Copy Others
Use the tools above to find out how different people say upward in their accents, then try to repeat after them.
Pick an Accent
Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.
Record Yourself
Say upward in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with upward.
Get a Native Tutor
Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.
Common mistakes of upward pronunciation
- Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "up-WARD" instead of the correct "UP-ward" (/ˈʌp.wərd/ for US and /ˈʌp.wəd/ for UK). Tip: Focus on emphasizing the first syllable.
- Omitting the "w" sound: Some may pronounce "upward" as "upard" (/ˈʌp.ərd/), dropping the "w" sound. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Practice saying "w" clearly to ensure it's included.
- Confusing vowel sounds: A common mistake is mispronouncing the vowel in "upward." Some might say "up-ward" with a short "a" sound. Tip: Remember the "ʌ" sound in "up" is like the "u" in "cup."
- Overemphasizing the "r": Some speakers may overpronounce the "r" in "upward," making it sound unnatural. This can happen in non-native English speakers. Tip: Keep the "r" subtle and blend it smoothly with the preceding vowel.
- Incorrect intonation: Learners sometimes use a flat intonation pattern when saying "upward," making it sound monotonous. Tip: Try to vary your pitch slightly to sound more natural and engaging.