Are You Saying These Words Wrong? Literacy expert reveals Commonly Mispronounced Words in English

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. 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.”

Library

Mispronunciations: lie-BERRY

Correct Pronunciation: LIE-brer-ee

The word “library” is often mispronounced as “lie-BERRY,” but the correct pronunciation is “LIE-brer-ee.”

Salmon

Mispronunciations: SAL-mon

Correct Pronunciation: SAM-uhn

The “l” in “salmon” is silent. The correct pronunciation is “SAM-uhn.”

Almond

Mispronunciations: AL-mond

Correct Pronunciation: AH-mund

The “l” in “almond” is also silent. The correct pronunciation is “AH-mund.”

Debris

Mispronunciations: DEB-ris

Correct Pronunciation: de-BREE

The correct pronunciation of “debris” is “de-BREE,” with the “s” being silent.

Controversy

Mispronunciations: con-TROV-er-see

Correct Pronunciation: CON-tro-ver-see

In British English, “controversy” is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable: “CON-tro-ver-see.”

Mubin Ahmed, 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!