How to Pronounce Commonly Mispronounced Words

Have you ever hesitated before saying a word out loud, worried you might pronounce it wrong? You’re not alone.

English pronunciation can be tricky, even for native speakers. The good news is that with the right guidance and practice, you can master those challenging words that trip up so many people.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the most commonly mispronounced words in English, explain why they’re so confusing, and give you practical strategies to pronounce them correctly every time.

Why English Pronunciation Is So Challenging

Before we dive into specific words, let’s understand why English pronunciation causes so much confusion. Unlike languages like Spanish or Italian, where letters usually make the same sound, English has borrowed words from dozens of languages. French, Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots all contribute to our vocabulary, and each brings its own pronunciation rules.

Additionally, English spelling doesn’t always match pronunciation. We call these “irregular words,” and they make up a significant portion of everyday vocabulary. The word “colonel” sounds like “kernel,” and “knight” ignores half its letters. No wonder learners feel frustrated!

Understanding Phonetic Symbols

When learning pronunciation, you’ll often see phonetic symbols in dictionaries. These symbols show you exactly how to say a word, regardless of its spelling. The most common system is the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

For example, the word “pronunciation” looks intimidating, but its phonetic spelling is /prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/. Don’t worry if this looks confusing at first. Throughout this guide, I’ll use simple phonetic descriptions that anyone can follow.

The 20 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words

1. Pronunciation (pruh-nun-see-AY-shun)

Ironically, the word “pronunciation” itself is frequently mispronounced. Many people say “pro-NOUN-ciation,” copying the word “pronounce.” However, notice that the second syllable changes from “NOUNCE” to “NUN.” Practice saying it slowly: pruh-nun-see-AY-shun.

2. February (FEB-roo-air-ee)

Most native speakers actually say “FEB-yoo-air-ee,” dropping the first “r” sound. While this is widely accepted in casual speech, the technically correct pronunciation includes both r sounds. For learners, I recommend practicing the full pronunciation to build good habits.

3. Library (LY-brair-ee)

Similar to February, many people say “LY-bear-ee,” dropping the first “r.” Make sure to pronounce both syllables clearly: LY-brair-ee.

4. Ask (ask)

Some speakers accidentally reverse the letters and say “aks” instead of “ask.” The correct order is a-s-k, with the “s” sound before the “k” sound.

5. Espresso (eh-PRESS-oh)

There’s no “x” in espresso, yet many people order an “expresso” at coffee shops. Remember, it’s eh-PRESS-oh, like “express” without the second “s.”

6. Nuclear (NEW-klee-ur)

Even some politicians mispronounce this word as “NEW-kyuh-lur.” The correct pronunciation emphasizes three syllables: NEW-klee-ur. Think of it as “new clear.”

7. Mischievous (MIS-chuh-vus)

This word has only three syllables, not four. Many people add an extra syllable and say “mis-CHEE-vee-us.” The correct pronunciation is MIS-chuh-vus.

8. Comfortable (KUMF-ter-bul)

While some people pronounce every syllable as “com-FOR-ta-ble,” the standard pronunciation compresses it to three syllables: KUMF-ter-bul.

9. Jewelry (JOO-ul-ree)

Not “JOO-luh-ree” with four syllables. The correct pronunciation has three syllables: JOO-ul-ree.

10. Athlete (ATH-leet)

Don’t add an extra syllable. It’s ATH-leet, not “ATH-uh-leet.”

11. Quinoa (KEEN-wah)

This trendy grain confuses many people. It’s not “kwin-OH-uh” but rather KEEN-wah, coming from its Spanish pronunciation.

12. GIF (gif with hard G or jif)

This one sparks debates! The creator says “jif” (like the peanut butter), but many people say “gif” with a hard G sound. Both are now widely accepted.

13. Epitome (eh-PIT-oh-mee)

Don’t be fooled by the spelling. It’s not “EP-ih-tome” but eh-PIT-oh-mee, with the emphasis on the second syllable.

14. Hyperbole (hy-PER-buh-lee)

This literary term for exaggeration is pronounced hy-PER-buh-lee, not “HYPER-bowl.” The final “e” creates an “ee” sound.

15. Salmon (SAM-un)

The “l” is silent in salmon. Say SAM-un, just like “Sam” plus “un.”

16. Prescription (prih-SKRIP-shun)

Many people accidentally say “per-SKRIP-shun,” but the first syllable is “prih,” not “per.”

17. Supposedly (suh-POH-zid-lee)

Not “supposably.” The correct word comes from “supposed,” so it’s suh-POH-zid-lee.

18. Arctic (ARK-tik)

Don’t drop the first “c.” It’s ARK-tik, not “AR-tik,” and the same rule applies to Antarctica.

19. Chipotle (chih-POHT-lay)

This Mexican pepper is pronounced chih-POHT-lay, not “chi-POL-tee” or “chi-POT-ul.”

20. Cache (cash)

In computing and everyday use, cache is pronounced exactly like “cash,” not “cash-ay.”

Practical Tips for Improving Your Pronunciation

Listen and Repeat

The most effective way to learn pronunciation is through listening. Use online dictionaries like Cambridge or Oxford, which include audio pronunciations. Listen to the word several times, then repeat it out loud. Recording yourself can help you compare your pronunciation to the native speaker.

Break Words Into Syllables

When you encounter a difficult word, break it into smaller chunks. Practice each syllable separately, then gradually combine them. For example, “pronunciation” becomes: pruh / nun / see / AY / shun.

Use the Shadowing Technique

Shadowing means listening to native speakers and repeating what they say immediately, like an echo. Watch English videos, pause after sentences, and repeat exactly what you heard, mimicking their rhythm and intonation.

Practice Minimal Pairs

Minimal pairs are words that differ by only one sound, like “ship” and “sheep.” Practicing these helps train your ear and mouth to distinguish between similar sounds.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes

Everyone mispronounces words sometimes, including native speakers. The important thing is to keep practicing and learning. When someone corrects you, thank them and practice the correct pronunciation.

Resources for Continued Learning

Several excellent tools can help you continue improving your pronunciation:

Forvo is a pronunciation dictionary where real people record words in their native languages. You can hear multiple pronunciations and choose your preferred accent (American, British, Australian).

YouGlish shows you YouTube clips of native speakers using specific words, giving you context and natural pronunciation.

Google Translate offers decent pronunciation guides, though it’s not always perfect for more complex words.

Pronunciation apps like ELSA Speak and Sounds: The Pronunciation App provide interactive exercises with feedback.

Understanding Different English Accents

Remember that English pronunciation varies significantly depending on the speaker’s accent. British, American, Australian, and Indian English all have distinct pronunciation patterns. None is more “correct” than others—they’re simply different.

When learning, I recommend choosing one accent to focus on initially, based on your needs and preferences. If you’re moving to the United States, American pronunciation makes sense. If you’re preparing for British exams, focus on British English.

Common Pronunciation Patterns to Remember

Certain patterns appear frequently in English:

Silent letters appear in many words borrowed from other languages (knife, psychology, receipt).

The “ough” pattern has at least seven different pronunciations: through, thought, rough, cough, plough, hiccough, and borough.

Stress patterns matter enormously. The same word can have different meanings based on stress: REcord (noun) versus reCORD (verb).

Conclusion: Your Journey to Better Pronunciation

Mastering English pronunciation takes time and patience, but every word you learn correctly builds your confidence. Don’t aim for perfection—even native speakers continue learning new words throughout their lives. The goal is clear communication and continuous improvement.

Start with the words in this guide that you use most frequently. Practice them daily, listen to native speakers, and don’t be discouraged by mistakes. Each mispronunciation is simply an opportunity to learn something new.

Remember, pronunciation is just one part of language learning. As long as people understand you, you’re communicating successfully. Keep practicing, stay curious, and celebrate your progress along the way. You’ve got this!