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 may take a look at your verbal skills regardless 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, probably due to its British origins.

2. Colonel

Everyone knows a colonel is a high-ranking officer within the army. Nevertheless, many English audio system say this phrase flawed on account of its complicated spelling. It’s really pronounced the identical approach because the phrase “kernel,” making it one of many trickier phrases within the English language.

3. Quinoa

Quinoa has turn out to be an more and more common well being meals even supposing it’s laborious 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 take pleasure in consuming it!

4. Onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a phrase that mimics the sound it describes, similar to growth, boing, clang, or pow. Contemplating its that means, it’s ironic that onomatopoeia is without doubt one of the hardest phrases to say and spell. The proper pronunciation of this English tongue-twister is “on-uh-mot-uh–PEE–uh.”

5. Anemone

Opposite to common perception, anemones aren’t really crops. Though they seem like colourful flowering bushes, they’re really aquatic animals.

Saying anemone out loud could be simply as complicated. At first look, it appears prefer it solely accommodates two or three syllables. However 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 components. An instance of synecdoche is referring to a automotive as a “good set of wheels.”

It may be tough to recollect the that means of synecdoche, but it surely’s even tougher to say it. Though it seems to be a three-syllable phrase, it really accommodates 4 syllables and is pronounced “sih-NECK-duh-key.”

7. Lieutenant

Lieutenant is a time period used to check with a low-ranking army officer. Though the that means is identical in all places you go, the pronunciation differs between nations.

In america, 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 far tougher and turns lieutenant into an English tongue-twister.

8. Comfy

We just lately discovered that we’ve been saying the phrase “comfy” flawed our entire 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 tougher to say, so we might hold mispronouncing it by breaking it up into 4 syllables. Don’t choose!

9. Coup

It may be laborious 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 right pronunciation “coo.”

10. Epitome

Epitome is the epitome of phrases which might be laborious to pronounce. Many individuals incorrectly say it as “EP-i-tohm,” which is comprehensible based mostly on the best way it’s spelled. However it’s alleged to be damaged down into 4 syllables like so: “uh-PI-tuh-mee.” The extra you understand!

11. Gyro

Gyro is one other phrase that journeys us up since you aren’t alleged to pronounce it with a tough “g.” The proper technique to say it’s really “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 might be laborious 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 alleged to be pronounced like an “s.” So the right technique 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 lots. This phrase is tough to say due to the string of consonants proper within the center. The proper pronunciation is “I-smus” which could be powerful 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 approach as a “cue” ball. So all these additional vowels most likely aren’t obligatory.

15. Sixth

Sixth is an English tongue-twister for a similar purpose as isthmus—it has an odd combo of consonants that journeys individuals up. When correctly pronounced, sixth feels like “siksth.” However we’re hardly ever capable of say it proper!

Observe Makes Excellent

Many English phrases are mentioned otherwise than they’re spelled, which might make English a tough language to grasp. However fortunately apply makes excellent. Researching tongue-twisters will assist you enhance your pronunciation and stage 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 together with her funds spreadsheets, she likes to journey, backyard, and prepare dinner wholesome vegetarian meals.