How to Pronounce ‘Enough’ in American English- A Guide to Perfect Pronunciation

How to Pronounce “Enough” in American English

In American English, the word “enough” is pronounced as /ɪnˈʌf/ or /ɪnˈʌf.əʊ/. The pronunciation may seem straightforward, but there are a few nuances to keep in mind to ensure you’re saying it correctly.

Firstly, the “enough” word is divided into two syllables. The first syllable, “en,” is pronounced as /ɪn/, which is similar to the “in” in “insect.” The second syllable, “ough,” is pronounced as /ʌf/ or /ʌf.əʊ/, which is a bit tricky. It’s not pronounced as “off” or “ough” in “though,” but rather as a short “uh” sound followed by a “f” sound. To help with this, you can think of it as the “uh” sound in “cup” followed by the “f” sound in “cup.”

Another important aspect of the pronunciation is the stress. In American English, the stress is typically on the first syllable, “en.” This means that the “en” part of the word is emphasized and pronounced a bit louder than the “ough” part. So, when you say “enough,” you should focus on the “en” sound and make it more prominent.

To practice the pronunciation, you can try the following exercises:

1. Break down the word into syllables: /ɪn/ + /ʌf/ or /ɪn/ + /ʌf.əʊ/
2. Practice the “en” sound by saying “insect” or “in.”
3. Practice the “ough” sound by saying “cup” and focusing on the “uh” sound followed by the “f” sound.
4. Combine the syllables and say “enough” with emphasis on the first syllable.

Remember, the key to pronouncing “enough” correctly in American English is to focus on the “en” sound, emphasize it, and then blend it smoothly into the “ough” sound. With practice, you’ll be able to pronounce “enough” with confidence and clarity.