English has many complicated guidelines and conventions, making it a difficult language to study. There are some phrases that even native audio system wrestle to say and spell. Listed below are 15 English tongue-twister examples that can check your verbal skills 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 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 navy. Nevertheless, many English audio system say this phrase improper as a consequence of its complicated spelling. It’s truly pronounced the identical means 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 in style well being meals even though 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 must say this tasty grain’s title accurately to get pleasure from consuming it!

4. Onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a phrase that mimics the sound it describes, equivalent to increase, 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 in style perception, anemones aren’t truly vegetation. Though they appear like colourful flowering bushes, they’re truly aquatic animals.

Saying anemone out loud could be simply as complicated. At first look, it seems prefer it solely accommodates two or three syllables. But it surely’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 considered one of its elements. An instance of synecdoche is referring to a automotive as a “good set of wheels.”

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

7. Lieutenant

Lieutenant is a time period used to discuss with a low-ranking navy 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, folks pronounce it “lef-TEN-ant.” In our opinion, the British means is far more durable and turns lieutenant into an English tongue-twister.

8. Snug

We not too long ago came upon that we’ve been saying the phrase “comfy” improper our entire lives. It’s apparently presupposed 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 could maintain mispronouncing it by breaking it up into 4 syllables. Don’t decide!

9. Coup

It may be exhausting to recollect easy methods to pronounce “coup” correctly as a result of it has a silent letter. You’re not presupposed to say the “p” on the finish of the phrase, making the right pronunciation “coo.”

10. Epitome

Epitome is the epitome of phrases which can be exhausting to pronounce. Many individuals incorrectly say it as “EP-i-tohm,” which is comprehensible based mostly on the best way it’s spelled. But it surely’s presupposed 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 presupposed to pronounce it with a tough “g.” The right technique 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 accomplish that many wholesome meals have names which can be exhausting to pronounce? Acai is a berry that tastes scrumptious in smoothies, however its title doesn’t fairly roll off the tongue. The “c” is definitely presupposed 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 plenty. This phrase is difficult to say due to the string of consonants proper within the center. The right 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 troublesome to determine easy methods to say this phrase correctly. Surprisingly, queue is pronounced the identical means as a “cue” ball. So all these additional vowels in all probability aren’t mandatory.

15. Sixth

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

Apply Makes Excellent

Many English phrases are mentioned in another way than they’re spelled, which might make English a troublesome language to grasp. However fortunately observe makes excellent. Researching tongue-twisters will allow you to 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 along with her price range spreadsheets, she likes to journey, backyard, and prepare dinner wholesome vegetarian meals.