How To Pronounce “the”
the
function word“the” 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 /ðiː/, and in American English it is /ðiː/. It is used when emphasised or contrasted.
Weak form, before a consonant. In British English it is /ðə/, and in American English it is /ðə/. It is used in connected speech, before a consonant.
Weak form, before a vowel. In British English it is /ði/, and in American English it is /ði/. It is used in connected speech, before a vowel.
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.
Questions About The
How do you pronounce the in British English?
Strong form, /ðiː/. Weak form, before a consonant, /ðə/. Weak form, before a vowel, /ði/.
How do you pronounce the in American English?
Strong form, /ðiː/. Weak form, before a consonant, /ðə/. Weak form, before a vowel, /ði/.
What is the weak form of the?
The weak form of the is /ðə/ in British English. It is the usual form in connected speech.
Other Function Words With Weak Forms
Nearby Words
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