Learn How to Pronounce use

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use

Definition:

(nou) the act of using (nou) what something is used for (nou) a particular service (nou) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing (nou) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition (nou) exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage (nou) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property

Phonetic Transcription:

juːz

Examples:

The infobox lists the practical use.

The use of the extension for this purpose is specifically discouraged.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: use

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Common mistakes of use pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "use" with a short vowel sound as in "bus" [bʌs]. This is incorrect. Tip: Remember that "use" has a long "u" sound [juːs] in both US and UK English.
  2. Ignoring the "s" sound: A common mistake is to drop the "s" sound, pronouncing it as "you" [juː]. This changes the meaning. Tip: Ensure you clearly articulate the "s" sound [s] at the end of "use".
  3. Confusing it with "used": Some may pronounce "use" like "used" [juːzd], which is incorrect when referring to the verb form. Tip: Practice distinguishing between "use" [juːs] and "used" [juːzd] by emphasizing the final sounds.
  4. Incorrect stress placement: Learners sometimes stress the wrong syllable, saying "use" as "u-se" [ˈjuːs]. This is not standard. Tip: The correct pronunciation is with a single syllable [juːs], so keep it smooth and fluid.
  5. Overemphasizing the "u": Some people pronounce "use" with an exaggerated "u" sound, making it sound unnatural. Tip: Aim for a balanced pronunciation, focusing on the smooth transition from the "y" sound [j] to the "u" sound [uː].

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "use" in American English?

In American English, "use" is pronounced as /juːz/ with the stress on the single syllable. The "u" sounds like "yoo," and the "se" is pronounced as a voiced "z."

What is the British pronunciation of "use"?

In British English, "use" is also pronounced as /juːz/, maintaining the same vowel sound and stress. The pronunciation is quite similar to the American version, making it easy for learners to adapt.

Does "use" have a different pronunciation in any contexts?

Yes, when "use" is a noun, it is pronounced as /juːs/, where the "s" is unvoiced. This distinction between the verb "use" (/juːz/) and the noun "use" (/juːs/) is important for clarity in conversation.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "use"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing "use" as /juːs/ when it is used as a verb. Remember, the verb form should always have a voiced "z" sound at the end, while the noun form has an unvoiced "s."
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