English is a complex language with many nuances, and even native speakers often stumble over certain words. Pronunciations can vary significantly between British and American English, and sometimes, even regional accents within the same country add to the confusion.
Below, literacy expert Mubin Ahmed from Awesome Books reveals some commonly mispronounced words in English and how they should be correctly pronounced.
Schedule
Mispronunciations: SKED-yool (American English)
Correct Pronunciation (British English): SHED-yool
In British English, “schedule” is traditionally pronounced as “SHED-yool.” However, the American pronunciation “SKED-yool” is becoming more common due to cultural influences.
Mischievous
Mispronunciations: mis-CHEE-vee-us
Correct Pronunciation: MIS-chiv-us
Many people add an extra syllable, pronouncing it as “mis-CHEE-vee-us,” but the correct pronunciation is “MIS-chiv-us,” with only three syllables.
Pronunciation
Mispronunciations: pro-nounce-ee-A-shun
Correct Pronunciation: pro-nun-see-A-shun
Ironically, the word “pronunciation” is often mispronounced. The correct form is “pro-nun-see-A-shun,” not “pro-nounce-ee-A-shun.”
Espresso
Mispronunciations: ex-PRESS-oh
Correct Pronunciation: es-PRESS-oh
There is no “x” in “espresso.” The correct pronunciation is “es-PRESS-oh.”
Arctic
Mispronunciations: AR-tic
Correct Pronunciation: ARK-tik
The word “Arctic” has two “c’s,” and both should be pronounced. The correct pronunciation is “ARK-tik.”
Nuclear
Mispronunciations: NOO-kyoo-lar
Correct Pronunciation: NOO-klee-ar
The word “nuclear” is often mispronounced as “NOO-kyoo-lar.” The correct pronunciation is “NOO-klee-ar.”
February
Mispronunciations: FEB-yoo-air-ee
Correct Pronunciation: FEB-roo-air-ee
Many people skip the first “r” in “February,” but the correct pronunciation includes it: “FEB-roo-air-ee.”
Quinoa
Mispronunciations: kee-NO-ah
Correct Pronunciation: KEEN-wah
This superfood’s name is often mispronounced. The correct pronunciation is “KEEN-wah.”
Often
Mispronunciations: OFF-ten
Correct Pronunciation: OFF-en
While both “OFF-ten” and “OFF-en” are technically correct, the traditional pronunciation in British English is “OFF-en,” where the “t” is silent.
Zebra
Mispronunciations: ZEE-bra (American English)
Correct Pronunciation (British English): ZEB-ra
In British English, “zebra” is pronounced “ZEB-ra,” with a short “e” sound, unlike the American pronunciation “ZEE-bra.”
Mubin Ahmed, a Literacy expert from Awesome Books, says, “English pronunciation can be tricky, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of common mispronunciations. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you improve your spoken English and communicate more effectively.
“Whether you’re speaking British or American English, paying attention to these nuances will make you sound more polished and precise. So, next time you’re about to say ‘expresso’ or ‘Feb-yoo-air-ee,’ take a moment to remember the correct pronunciations and speak with confidence!”
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