Learn How to Pronounce very

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very

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈveri

Examples:

So he is really very incidental to the history of Technocracy.

Cawsand is very much part of Cornwall, and deservedly so.

In any case, thanks very much for the copy edit and sorry for babbling so much.

Learn more about:
very

Related Words:

much

really

How to perfect your pronunciation of: very

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

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Common mistakes of very pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners put stress on the second syllable, saying "ver-'y" instead of "'ver-y". Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable in both US /ˈvɛri/ and UK /ˈvɛəri/.
Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing "very" with a long "e" sound, like "vee-ry". Tip: Focus on the short "e" sound /ɛ/ to ensure correct pronunciation.
Overemphasizing the "r": Some speakers may pronounce "very" with an exaggerated "r", sounding like "vurry". Tip: Keep the "r" soft and subtle, as in /ˈvɛri/ for US and /ˈvɛəri/ for UK.
Dropping the "y" sound: Learners might say "ver" instead of "very", omitting the final "y". Tip: Make sure to pronounce the "y" sound /i/ clearly at the end, as it is essential for correct pronunciation.
Confusing with similar words: Some may mix up "very" with "vary", leading to incorrect usage. Tip: Remember that "very" has a clear "v" and "y" sound, while "vary" has a different vowel sound /ˈvɛəri/.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "very" in American English?

In American English, "very" is pronounced as /ˈvɛri/. The stress is on the first syllable, and the "e" sounds like the short "e" in "bed."

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

Yes, in British English, "very" is often pronounced as /ˈvɛəri/, where the "r" is less pronounced compared to American English. The vowel sound in the second syllable can also differ slightly.

What syllable does the stress fall on in the word "very"?

The stress in "very" falls on the first syllable, making it pronounced as /ˈvɛri/. This means you should emphasize the "ver" part when saying the word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "very"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing the "e" sound, sometimes saying it like the long "a" in "day." Remember to use the short "e" sound, as in "bed," for accurate pronunciation.