This list outlines an array of terms that people often find themselves stumbling over, or incorrectly pronouncing, according to literacy expert Mubin Ahmed.
Mischievous
Mispronunciation: 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,’ said the literacy expert.
Schedule
Mispronunciation: SKED-yool
Correct pronunciation: SHED-yool
Mubin said: ‘In British English, ‘schedule’ is traditionally pronounced as ‘SHED-yool.’ However, the American pronunciation ‘SKED-yool’ is becoming more common due to cultural influences.’
Pronunciation
Mispronunciation: 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,’ insisted Mubin.
Espresso
Mispronunciation: ex-PRESS-oh
Correct pronunciation: es-PRESS-oh
‘There is no ‘x’ in ‘espresso.’ The correct pronunciation is ‘es-PRESS-oh’, said the literacy expert.
Arctic
Mispronunciation: AR-tic
Correct pronunciation: ARK-tik
The literacy expert claimed: ‘The word ‘Arctic’ has two ‘c’s,’ and both should be pronounced. The correct pronunciation is ‘ARK-tik’.
Nuclear
Mispronunciation: 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’, said Mubin.
February
Mispronunciation: 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,’ explained Mubin.
Quinoa
Mispronunciation: kee-NO-ah
Correct pronunciation: KEEN-wah
‘This superfood’s name is often mispronounced. The correct pronunciation is ‘KEEN-wah’, insisted the literacy expert.
Often
Mispronunciation: 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,’ explained the literacy expert.
Zebra
Mispronunciation: ZEE-bra
Correct pronunciation: ZEB-ra
‘In British English, ‘zebra’ is pronounced ‘ZEB-ra,’ with a short ‘e’ sound, unlike the American pronunciation ‘ZEE-bra’,’ said Mubin.
Library
Mispronunciation: lie-BERRY
Correct pronunciation: LIE-brer-ee
‘The word “library” is often mispronounced as “lie-BERRY,” but the correct pronunciation is “LIE-brer-ee”‘, Mubin explained.
Salmon
Mispronunciation: SAL-mon
Correct pronunciation: SAM-uhn
‘The “l” in “salmon” is silent. The correct pronunciation is “SAM-uhn”,’ revealed the literacy expert from UK-based Awesome Books.
Almond
Mispronunciation: AL-mond
Correct pronunciation: AH-mund
‘The “l” in “almond” is also silent. The correct pronunciation is “AH-mund”‘, claimed the expert.
Debris
Mispronunciation: DEB-ris
Correct pronunciation: de-BREE
‘The correct pronunciation of “debris” is “de-BREE,” with the “s” being silent,’ insisted Mubin.
Controversy
Mispronunciation: 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.”‘, explained the literacy expert.
