Is it 'pronounciation' or 'pronunciation'? Avoid this common mistake – and learn how to pronounce it correctly
Have you heard some people say 'pronounciation', with the second syllable pronounced 'now'? This is a common and totally understandable mistake.
If you've been learning English for a while, you'll know that the spelling of a word often doesn't help you much with pronunciation.
For example: 'through' rhymes with 'blue', but not with 'though' or 'thought'. Which doesn't seem very logical!
When it comes to the word 'pronunciation' though, we have a slightly different challenge.
🎬'Pronounciation' or 'pronunciation'? Watch this video to find out.
The clue is in the spelling - proNUNciation - but it's often overlooked
In fact, 'pronunciation' is pronounced fairly close to the spelling. The second syllable rhymes with 'nun' and 'none' (these two are homophones!).
Many learners (and some native speakers too) expect that the noun will follow the same pattern as the verb - which is why they say and write it 'pronounciation'.
The phonetic script for this word also makes it clear:
/prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/
If you're not familiar with the International Phonetic Script, here's an approximation: pre-nun-see-AY-shun. (And if you want to understand the IPA script better, try our interactive British English vowels and consonant chart.)
So there you have it - the correct way to say this word, and an explanation for why it's easy to get it wrong.
If you're interested to find out more about English pronunciation (not pronounciation!), you can download our free guide to the Six Key Features of International English Pronunciation.
Do you want to improve your pronunciation at your own pace and in your own home? Take a look at our Pronunciation Power Online Course to see how you can build your English speaking skills in just a few minutes a day.
About the author
Hi there 👋 My name is Jenny Dance, and I have over 20 years' teaching experience. I am fascinated by language and sound, and have a passion for pronunciation...