The pronunciation of the word “now” is a common source of confusion for non-native English speakers. This is because the word can be pronounced in two different ways, depending on its position in a sentence. In this article, we will discuss how to pronounce the word “now” correctly in both cases. It took the speaker a few tries to get the pronunciation right, but eventually, she was able to say it correctly.
The first way to pronounce the word “now” is with a short “o” sound. This pronunciation is used when the word is used as an adverb, meaning “at this present time.” For example, you would say “I am going to the store now” with a short “o” sound. When it appeared on television, people were surprised because it looked so real.
The second way to pronounce the word “now” is with a long “o” sound. This pronunciation is used when the word is used as a noun, meaning “the present time.” For example, you would say “I am enjoying the now” with a long “o” sound. He wanted to live in the now and not worry about the future.
Breaking Down the Syllables
The word “now” has one syllable, which is the entire word itself. However, we can break it down into two phonemes, the onset and the nucleus.
Onset
The onset is the initial consonant sound in a syllable. In the case of “now,” the onset is the consonant /n/. It is pronounced by placing the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge (the bony ridge behind the upper front teeth) and releasing the air to create a voiced consonant sound.
| Phoneme | Description |
|---|---|
| /n/ | Voiced alveolar nasal consonant |
Nucleus
The nucleus is the vowel sound in a syllable. In “now,” the nucleus is the vowel /aʊ/. It is pronounced by opening the mouth slightly and rounding the lips while releasing the air to create a diphthong sound. This sound can be described as a combination of the sounds /ɑ/ (as in “father”) and /u/ (as in “boot”).
| Phoneme | Description |
|---|---|
| /aʊ/ | Diphthong vowel consisting of /ɑ/ and /u/ sounds |
Emphasizing the Correct Syllable
When pronouncing “now” in English, it’s crucial to emphasize the correct syllable to convey the intended meaning. The word “now” has two syllables: “n” (short vowel sound) and “ow” (long vowel sound).
The correct pronunciation of “now” places emphasis on the second syllable, “ow.” This can be achieved by lengthening the pronunciation of the “ow” sound and slightly raising the pitch of your voice on that syllable. The result should be a clear and distinct pronunciation of “n-ow.”
To practice emphasizing the correct syllable, try repeating the following words aloud, paying attention to the position and duration of the stress:
| Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Now (adverb) | n-ow |
| Bow (verb) | bow |
| Vow (noun) | vow |
| Cow (noun) | cow |
By consistently emphasizing the correct syllable, you can enhance your English pronunciation and ensure that you are conveying the intended meaning of the word “now.”
Consonants:
When pronouncing the consonants in “now,” focus on clearly enunciating each sound. The initial consonant is /n/, which is a voiced alveolar nasal. To produce this sound, touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth behind your upper teeth and exhale through your nose.
The second consonant is /aʊ/, which is a diphthong composed of two sounds: /a/ and /ʊ/. The /a/ is a low, back, unrounded vowel, similar to the sound in “father.” The /ʊ/ is a high, back, rounded vowel, similar to the sound in “book.” To pronounce this diphthong, start by saying /a/ and then smoothly transition to /ʊ/.
Vowels:
The vowel sound in “now” is a diphthong, which means it is a combination of two vowel sounds. The first sound is /a/, which is a low, back, unrounded vowel. The second sound is /ʊ/, which is a high, back, rounded vowel. To pronounce the diphthong, start by saying /a/ and then smoothly transition to /ʊ/.
Here is a table summarizing the pronunciation of the vowels and consonants in “now”:
| Phoneme | Description |
|---|---|
| /n/ | Voiced alveolar nasal |
| /aʊ/ | Diphthong: /a/ and /ʊ/ |
Practice with Consonants and Vowels:
To practice pronouncing the consonants and vowels in “now,” try repeating the following words and phrases:
- Now
- Know
- How
- Brown
- Cloud
As you practice, pay attention to the way you are pronouncing the consonants and vowels. Make sure that you are enunciating each sound clearly and smoothly.
Utilizing a Pronunciation Guide
Pronunciation guides are invaluable tools for mastering the intricacies of English pronunciation. They provide detailed instructions on how to produce each sound accurately, ensuring that you speak with confidence and clarity.
Using a Pronunciation Key
Most pronunciation guides employ a phonetic alphabet or diacritical marks to represent sounds. Become familiar with these symbols and their corresponding pronunciations to decipher the guide effectively.
Phonetic Symbols
Phonetic symbols, such as those used in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), are universal representations of speech sounds. Each symbol corresponds to a specific sound, allowing for precise pronunciation.
Diacritical Marks
Diacritical marks are small symbols added to letters to indicate pronunciation changes. Examples include the acute accent (é), which indicates a higher pitch, and the macron (¯), which lengthens the vowel sound.
Additional Features
Some pronunciation guides also include audio recordings or videos to supplement the written instructions. These resources provide auditory and visual cues, enhancing your understanding of the pronunciation.
Below is a sample table illustrating the use of phonetic symbols and diacritical marks in a pronunciation guide:
| Symbol | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| /aʊ/ | “ow” as in “cow” |
| /iː/ | Long “e” as in “bee” |
| é | Higher pitched “e” as in “café” |
| ¯ | Lengthens the vowel sound as in “bar” |
Listening to Native Speakers
One of the best ways to learn how to pronounce a word correctly is to listen to native speakers. There are many ways to do this, such as:
- Watching movies or TV shows
- Listening to music
- Talking to native speakers online or in person
When you listen to native speakers, pay attention to how they pronounce the word. Try to imitate their pronunciation as best as you can. You may also want to record yourself saying the word and then compare it to the way the native speaker said it.
Here are some specific tips for listening to native speakers:
- Focus on the pronunciation of the word, not the meaning.
- Listen to the word several times to get a good sense of how it is pronounced.
- Try to imitate the pronunciation of the native speaker as best as you can.
- Record yourself saying the word and then compare it to the way the native speaker said it.
- Practice saying the word until you can pronounce it correctly.
Using Speech Recognition Software
Speech recognition software can be a valuable tool for improving your pronunciation. It allows you to record yourself speaking and then provides feedback on your pronunciation. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve and can also help you track your progress over time.
There are a number of different speech recognition software programs available, both free and paid. Some of the most popular options include:
| Program | Website |
|---|---|
| Dragon NaturallySpeaking | https://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm |
| Google Speech Recognition | https://cloud.google.com/speech-to-text |
| Microsoft Dictate | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/speech-recognition |
Here are some tips for getting the most out of speech recognition software:
- Use a quiet environment. Background noise can make it difficult for the software to recognize your speech.
- Speak clearly and slowly. Don’t rush your words or mumble.
- Pause between words. This helps the software to distinguish between different words.
- Use natural speech patterns. Don’t try to sound like a robot.
- Be patient. It takes time to learn how to use speech recognition software effectively.
Focusing on the Ending Consonant
The pronunciation of “now” varies depending on the ending consonant that precedes it. Here are some rules:
Ending with a Voiced Consonant
When “now” comes after a voiced consonant (such as b, d, g, j, l, m, n, r, v, w, y, z), the final consonant of “now” is pronounced as [w]:
| Ending Consonant | Pronounced as |
|---|---|
| d | [dɑʊ] |
| g | [ɡɑʊ] |
| v | [vɑʊ] |
Ending with an Unvoiced Consonant
When “now” comes after an unvoiced consonant (such as f, k, p, s, sh, t, th, x), the final consonant of “now” is pronounced as [ɑʊ]:
| Ending Consonant | Pronounced as |
|---|---|
| k | [kɑʊ] |
| p | [pɑʊ] |
| s | [sɑʊ] |
Exceptions
- After the consonant “l”, the final consonant of “now” can be pronounced as either [w] or [ɑʊ].
- After the consonant “r”, the final consonant of “now” is always pronounced as [ɑʊ].
- In certain regional dialects, the final consonant of “now” may be reduced to a schwa sound.
For example, the word “know” (ending with a voiced consonant) is pronounced as [noʊ], while the word “now” (ending with an unvoiced consonant) is pronounced as [nɑʊ].
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Avoid pronouncing the “o” in “now” like the “o” in “ocean.” Instead, pronounce it like the “o” in “boat.” This will help you sound more like a native English speaker.
Don’t pronounce the “w” at the end of “now.” This is a common mistake made by non-native English speakers. The “w” is silent in “now.”
Plural Forms
The plural form of “now” is “nows.” However, “nows” is rarely used. Instead, we usually use the phrase “the present time” to refer to the present moment.
Contractions
There are two common contractions of “now”: “nowadays” and “right now.”
| Contraction | Definition |
|---|---|
| Nowadays | In the present time |
| Right now | Immediately |
Idioms and Phrases
“Now” is used in a number of idioms and phrases, such as:
- Right now
- Just now
- For now
- From now on
- Once and for all
Types of Pronunciation
The pronunciation of “now” can vary depending on the regional dialect. In some dialects, it is pronounced with a long “o” sound, while in others, it is pronounced with a short “o” sound. The table below provides examples of how “now” is pronounced in different dialects.
| Dialect | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Standard American English | /ˈnaʊ/ |
| British English | /naʊ/ |
| Australian English | /naʊ/ |
| New Zealand English | /naʊ/ |
| Canadian English | /naʊ/ |
| South African English | /naʊ/ |
The Influence of Regional Dialects
The pronunciation of “now” is influenced by a number of factors, including the speaker’s regional dialect, age, and social class. In general, older speakers are more likely to pronounce “now” with a long “o” sound, while younger speakers are more likely to pronounce it with a short “o” sound. Additionally, speakers from higher social classes are more likely to pronounce “now” with a long “o” sound, while speakers from lower social classes are more likely to pronounce it with a short “o” sound. These are just general trends, however, and there is a great deal of variation in the pronunciation of “now” across different speakers.
Integrating Pronunciation into Daily Speech
Incorporating proper pronunciation into everyday speech is crucial for effective communication and clarity. Here are 10 practical ways to do so:
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to the pronunciation of native speakers and identify any discrepancies with your own.
- Use Pronunciation Resources: Consult dictionaries, pronunciation guides, and online resources to obtain the correct pronunciation of words.
- Record and Review: Speak into a recording device and listen to your pronunciation. This allows you to identify and correct errors.
- Read Aloud Regularly: Reading aloud forces you to pronounce words and helps you internalize the correct sounds.
- Speak with Others: Engage in conversations with native speakers or individuals with clear pronunciation to improve your speech patterns.
- Use Speech Recognition Software: Technology can assist in analyzing your pronunciation and providing feedback.
- Practice Tongue Twisters: These exercises help improve articulation and pronunciation skills.
- Attend Speech Classes or Workshops: Seek professional guidance to refine your pronunciation and receive tailored feedback.
- Focus on Phonetics: Understand the sound system of English and how different sounds are produced.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Improving pronunciation takes time and consistent effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
Pronunciation Word Example /ˈnaʊ/ Now /ˈnaʊə/ Nowadays /ˈnaʊθɪŋ/ Nothing Remember, correct pronunciation is essential for conveying your message effectively. By incorporating these techniques into your daily speech, you can enhance your communication skills and leave a positive impression on your audience.
How To Pronounce Now
The word “now” is pronounced with a short “o” sound, as in “not”. The “w” is pronounced as a voiced labio-velar approximant, which means that the lips are rounded and the back of the tongue is raised towards the velum (the soft palate) without actually making contact. The tongue position is similar to the one used to pronounce the “w” in “wet”.
Here are some tips for pronouncing “now” correctly:
- Start by saying “not”.
- Round your lips as if you were going to say “oh”.
- Raise the back of your tongue towards the velum, but don’t let it touch.
- Blow air through your rounded lips and raised tongue.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to pronounce “now” like a native speaker!
People Also Ask About How To Pronounce Now
How do you pronounce “now” in different languages?
The pronunciation of “now” varies from language to language. Here are some examples:
- English: [naʊ]
- Spanish: [aˈoɾa]
- French: [mɛ̃tˈnɑ̃]
- German: [nuːn]
- Mandarin Chinese: [ɕjɛn]
What is the difference between “now” and “nao”?
The words “now” and “nao” are homophones, which means that they sound the same but have different meanings. “Now” is an adverb that means “at this moment” or “at the present time”. “Nao” is a Portuguese word that means “ship”.
How do you spell “now” in different ways?
The word “now” can be spelled in a variety of ways, including:
- Now
- Noe
- Nou
- Neau
- Noe
