English has many complicated guidelines and conventions, making it a difficult language to be taught. There are some phrases that even native audio system battle to say and spell. Listed below are 15 English tongue-twister examples that can check your verbal talents 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 Individuals 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. Nevertheless, many English audio system say this phrase unsuitable because of its complicated spelling. It’s truly pronounced the identical approach because the phrase “kernel,” making it one of many trickier phrases within the English language.
3. Quinoa
Quinoa has change into an more and more common well being meals even if it’s exhausting 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 should say this tasty grain’s identify accurately to get pleasure from consuming it!
4. Onomatopoeia
An onomatopoeia is a phrase that mimics the sound it describes, comparable to growth, boing, clang, or pow. Contemplating its that means, it’s ironic that onomatopoeia is among 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 common perception, anemones aren’t truly vegetation. Though they appear like colourful flowering bushes, they’re truly aquatic animals.
Saying anemone out loud might be simply as complicated. At first look, it appears to be like prefer it solely comprises two or three syllables. Nevertheless it’s truly a four-syllable phrase that’s pronounced “ah-NEM-oh-nee.”
6. Synecdoche
Synecdoche is a determine of speech that entails describing one thing utilizing one in all its elements. An instance of synecdoche is referring to a automobile as a “good set of wheels.”
It may be tough to recollect the that means of synecdoche, however it’s even more durable to say it. Though it seems to be a three-syllable phrase, it truly 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 that means is similar all over the place you go, the pronunciation differs between nations.
In the US, we are saying “loo-TEN-ant.” Throughout the pond within the UK, individuals pronounce it “lef-TEN-ant.” In our opinion, the British approach is way more durable and turns lieutenant into an English tongue-twister.
8. Comfy
We lately came upon that we’ve been saying the phrase “snug” unsuitable our entire lives. It’s apparently speculated 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 maintain mispronouncing it by breaking it up into 4 syllables. Don’t choose!
9. Coup
It may be exhausting to recollect tips on how to pronounce “coup” correctly as a result of it has a silent letter. You’re not speculated to say the “p” on the finish of the phrase, making the right pronunciation “coo.”
10. Epitome
Epitome is the epitome of phrases which are exhausting to pronounce. Many individuals incorrectly say it as “EP-i-tohm,” which is comprehensible based mostly on the best way it’s spelled. Nevertheless it’s speculated 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 speculated to pronounce it with a tough “g.” The right option to say it’s truly “YEE-ro.” Though gyro is an English tongue-twister, you shouldn’t let that forestall you from ordering this scrumptious sandwich!
12. Acai
Why achieve this many wholesome meals have names which are exhausting to pronounce? Acai is a berry that tastes scrumptious in smoothies, however its identify doesn’t fairly roll off the tongue. The “c” is definitely speculated to be pronounced like an “s.” So the right option 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 might be robust for some to grasp.
14. Queue
Queue means “to line up” and is extra generally utilized in British English. As a result of unusual combo of vowels, it may be tough to determine tips on how to say this phrase correctly. Surprisingly, queue is pronounced the identical approach as a “cue” ball. So all these further vowels in all probability aren’t needed.
15. Sixth
Sixth is an English tongue-twister for a similar motive as isthmus—it has an odd combo of consonants that journeys individuals up. When correctly pronounced, sixth feels like “siksth.” However we’re not often in a position to say it proper!
Observe Makes Excellent
Many English phrases are mentioned in another way than they’re spelled, which might make English a tough language to grasp. However fortunately apply makes good. Researching tongue-twisters will provide help to enhance your pronunciation and stage up your language abilities.
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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 together with her finances spreadsheets, she likes to journey, backyard, and cook dinner wholesome vegetarian meals.
