Learn How to Pronounce used

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used

Phonetic Transcription:

juːzd

Examples:

The car used in the show was an amalgam of different cars.

He purchased a used car.

The objective is used only in singular.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: used

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Common mistakes of used pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "used" with an incorrect vowel sound, saying /juːzd/ instead of the correct /juːst/. Tip: Focus on the transition from the "s" to the "d" to maintain the correct vowel sound.
  2. Confusing past tense and adjective forms: The word "used" can function as both a verb and an adjective. Mispronouncing it as /juːzd/ when meaning "accustomed to" can lead to confusion. Tip: Remember the context; "used" as an adjective should be pronounced /juːst/.
  3. Overemphasizing the "d" sound: Some speakers may stress the "d" too much, saying "used" as /juːzd/ with an exaggerated ending. Tip: Keep the "d" soft and blend it smoothly with the preceding sounds to avoid overemphasis.
  4. Ignoring syllable stress: Learners often place stress incorrectly on "used," pronouncing it as /ˈjuːzd/ instead of /juːst/. Tip: Practice saying "used" in sentences to naturally place the stress on the correct syllable.
  5. Mispronouncing in rapid speech: In fast conversation, "used" may be mispronounced as /juːz/ by dropping the "d." Tip: Slow down your speech when practicing to ensure you articulate all sounds clearly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "used" in American English?

In American English, "used" is pronounced as /juːzd/. The "u" sounds like the long "u" in "blue," and the "s" is voiced, making a "z" sound.

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

No significant difference exists; both American and British English pronounce "used" as /juːzd/. However, regional accents may slightly affect the quality of the vowel sound.

What is the stress pattern for the word "used"?

"Used" has one syllable and is pronounced with primary stress, as indicated by /juːzd/. There are no secondary stresses in this word.

Can "used" be pronounced differently in casual speech?

In casual speech, "used" may be pronounced more quickly, but it typically maintains the /juːzd/ sound. It's important to avoid mispronouncing it as /juːs/, which is incorrect.
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