How To Pronounce “do”
do
function word“do” is a function word, so it has more than one pronunciation. In normal connected speech the weak form is usual. The strong form is used when the word is stressed, said on its own or at the end of a phrase.
Strong form. In British English it is /duː/, and in American English it is /duː/. It is used in isolation, as a full verb, at the end of speech, or for emphasis or contrast.
Weak form, before a consonant. In British English it is /də/, and in American English it is /də/. It is used in connected speech, before a consonant.
Weak form, before a vowel. In British English it is /du/, and in American English it is /du/. It is used in connected speech, before a vowel.
Noun (a party or event). In British English it is /duː/, and in American English it is /duː/. It is used as a noun, with no weak form.
Slashes / / show the phonemic transcription, the sounds that change meaning. Square brackets [ ] show the phonetic transcription, with the finer detail of how the sounds are actually made.
Syllables, Stress And Endings
Questions About Do
How do you pronounce do in British English?
Strong form, /duː/. Weak form, before a consonant, /də/. Weak form, before a vowel, /du/. Noun (a party or event), /duː/.
How do you pronounce do in American English?
Strong form, /duː/. Weak form, before a consonant, /də/. Weak form, before a vowel, /du/. Noun (a party or event), /duː/.
What is the weak form of do?
The weak form of do is /də/ in British English. It is the usual form in connected speech.
Other Function Words With Weak Forms
Nearby Words
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