English has many complicated guidelines and conventions, making it a difficult language to study. There are some phrases that even native audio system wrestle to say and spell. Listed here are 15 English tongue-twister examples that may check your verbal skills irrespective of how lengthy you’ve been talking the language.
1. Worcestershire
Worcestershire (pronounced “WOO-stuh-sher”) is a savory brown sauce that was created in Worcester, England. Many People have a tough time saying and spelling this phrase, presumably due to its British origins.
2. Colonel
Everyone knows a colonel is a high-ranking officer within the navy. Nonetheless, many English audio system say this phrase flawed attributable to its complicated spelling. It’s really pronounced the identical manner because the phrase “kernel,” making it one of many trickier phrases within the English language.
3. Quinoa
Quinoa has turn into an more and more in style well being meals even if it’s arduous to say out loud. This English tongue-twister is definitely pronounced “KEEN-wah” (and never “keen-OH-uh” because the spelling would recommend). Fortunately you don’t need to say this tasty grain’s title appropriately to get pleasure from consuming it!
4. Onomatopoeia
An onomatopoeia is a phrase that mimics the sound it describes, similar to increase, boing, clang, or pow. Contemplating its which means, it’s ironic that onomatopoeia is likely one of the hardest phrases to say and spell. The right pronunciation of this English tongue-twister is “on-uh-mot-uh–PEE–uh.”
5. Anemone
Opposite to in style perception, anemones aren’t really crops. Though they appear like colourful flowering bushes, they’re really aquatic animals.
Saying anemone out loud could be simply as complicated. At first look, it appears to be like prefer it solely comprises two or three syllables. Nevertheless it’s really a four-syllable phrase that’s pronounced “ah-NEM-oh-nee.”
6. Synecdoche
Synecdoche is a determine of speech that includes describing one thing utilizing one among its elements. An instance of synecdoche is referring to a automotive as a “good set of wheels.”
It may be tough to recollect the which means of synecdoche, but it surely’s even more durable to say it. Though it seems to be a three-syllable phrase, it really comprises 4 syllables and is pronounced “sih-NECK-duh-key.”
7. Lieutenant
Lieutenant is a time period used to consult with a low-ranking navy officer. Though the which means is similar in every single place you go, the pronunciation differs between international locations.
In the USA, we are saying “loo-TEN-ant.” Throughout the pond within the UK, folks pronounce it “lef-TEN-ant.” In our opinion, the British manner is far more durable and turns lieutenant into an English tongue-twister.
8. Comfy
We not too long ago discovered that we’ve been saying the phrase “comfy” flawed our complete lives. It’s apparently alleged to be pronounced “KUHMF-tr-bl” with emphasis positioned on the primary syllable. Who knew?
This makes it a lot more durable to say, so we might preserve mispronouncing it by breaking it up into 4 syllables. Don’t decide!
9. Coup
It may be arduous to recollect how one can pronounce “coup” correctly as a result of it has a silent letter. You’re not alleged to say the “p” on the finish of the phrase, making the proper pronunciation “coo.”
10. Epitome
Epitome is the epitome of phrases which can be arduous to pronounce. Many individuals incorrectly say it as “EP-i-tohm,” which is comprehensible based mostly on the way in which it’s spelled. Nevertheless it’s alleged to be damaged down into 4 syllables like so: “uh-PI-tuh-mee.” The extra you recognize!
11. Gyro
Gyro is one other phrase that journeys us up since you aren’t alleged to pronounce it with a tough “g.” The right solution to say it’s really “YEE-ro.” Though gyro is an English tongue-twister, you shouldn’t let that stop you from ordering this scrumptious sandwich!
12. Acai
Why accomplish that many wholesome meals have names which can be arduous to pronounce? Acai is a berry that tastes scrumptious in smoothies, however its title doesn’t fairly roll off the tongue. The “c” is definitely alleged to be pronounced like an “s.” So the proper solution to say this English tongue-twister is “aa-saa-EE.”
13. Isthmus
An isthmus is a small strip of land that connects two bigger land plenty. This phrase is tough to say due to the string of consonants proper within the center. The right pronunciation is “I-smus” which could be robust for some to grasp.
14. Queue
Queue means “to line up” and is extra generally utilized in British English. Because of the unusual combo of vowels, it may be tough to determine how one can say this phrase correctly. Surprisingly, queue is pronounced the identical manner as a “cue” ball. So all these further vowels most likely aren’t vital.
15. Sixth
Sixth is an English tongue-twister for a similar motive as isthmus—it has an odd combo of consonants that journeys folks up. When correctly pronounced, sixth feels like “siksth.” However we’re hardly ever capable of say it proper!
Follow Makes Excellent
Many English phrases are mentioned in a different way than they’re spelled, which might make English a tough language to grasp. However fortunately follow makes good. Researching tongue-twisters will aid you enhance your pronunciation and degree up your language expertise.
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Vicky Monroe is a contract private finance and way of life author. When she’s not busy writing about her favourite cash saving hacks or tinkering along with her finances spreadsheets, she likes to journey, backyard, and prepare dinner wholesome vegetarian meals.