How does the pronunciation of English numbers differ from their written forms? How do numbers like “13” (“thirteen”) or “100” (“one hundred”) require attention to stress and syllable division, and how can I practice saying numbers correctly in both casual and formal contexts for clear communication?
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Numbers in English can be pronounced differently from their written forms due to variations in stress, syllable division, and pronunciation norms. Learning how to correctly pronounce numbers in English is important for clear communication in both casual and formal contexts.
1. Basic Rules for Pronunciation of English Numbers:
– Numbers 1-12: These are typically pronounced as single words (e.g., “one,” “three,” “eleven”).
– Numbers 13-19: These numbers end in “-teen” and should be stressed on the second syllable (e.g., “thir-TEEN”).
– Multiples of 10: Numbers like 20, 30, 40, etc., are pronounced by stating the tens digit followed by “ty” (e.g., “TWEN-ty,” “THIR-ty”).
– Numbers 21-99: These are pronounced by saying the tens digit, a hyphen, then the units digit (e.g., “twenty-ONE,” “fifty-NINE”).
– Hundreds and Thousands: For numbers like 100, 200, 1000, etc., each digit is pronounced individually with the appropriate stress (e.g., “ONE hun-dred,” “two THOU-sand”).
2. Practice Tips for Correct Pronunciation:
– Listen and Repeat: One effective way to practice is by listening to native speakers pronounce numbers and mimicking their pronunciation.