50 Difficult Words to Pronounce
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Recently we asked our EnglishClub Facebook fans, tweeters, and chatters to share the English words they find most difficult to pronounce. We posted the first 25 most difficult words along with audio practice right here on ESL Magazine.Some of you loved the first 25 words and enjoyed practising these with us. A handful of you felt the words were not difficult enough. Many of you shared other words that you (or your students) find difficult.
Here is the second batch (compiled based on comments from learners and teachers via EC, Facebook, and MyEC).
Let’s practise these words together:
1) Listen to the word. (wait for a one second pause after)
2) Say the word with me.
3) Say the sentence with me.
Are you ready?
26. gorgeous (allow a pause and then repeat with me)
The bride looked gorgeous on her wedding day.
27. thoroughly
I thoroughly enjoyed this week’s English class.
28. daughter
My daughter asked if she could have a friend over for a playdate.
29. challenge
I invite all English learners to take my monthly writing challenge.
30. enhance
You will enhance your vocabulary by reading the news.
31. variety
It is important to use sentence variety in your TOEFL essay.
32. influence
Celebrities influence how young people act and dress.
33. effect
The new company policy will take effect next month.
34. whistle
My grandfather taught me how to whistle when I was a child.
35. throughout
Racism has been a global issue throughout history.
36. adjective
What adjective would you use to describe EnglishClub.com?
37. island
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
38. appliance
The washing machine is one appliance that many people could not live without.
39. shrimp
Spaghetti with shrimp is a meal my husband often cooks for dinner.
40. refrigerator
Another appliance that is considered a necessity is the refrigerator.
41. scissors
Left handed people require a special type of scissors.
42. cough
During the flu season, the students are taught to cough in their sleeves.
43. though
I am getting hungry. I can wait a little longer for dinner, though.
44. through
Our friends are going through a difficult divorce.
45. praise
Offering generic praise like “good job” is not enough to motivate a child.
46. free
Do you agree that the best things in life are free?
47. trade
We want to trade our car in for a minivan.
48. vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary by reading blogs when you are online.
49. psychologist
A psychologist told me that I need to learn how to relax.
50.genuine
The collector said our piece was a genuine antique.
Pronunciation note: I have a Canadian accent. Though Canadian spelling usually sides with British English, Canadian pronunciation is closer to the American accent. Your teacher may have a different accent, such as a British or Australian one.
Thanks again to all of the readers of ESL Magazine who helped create this second list. Share your own difficult words in the comments below. Add an example sentence and we may use it in an upcoming audio post.
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
© EnglishClub.com
25 comments
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Jiseph G says:
It is really something I need. Thanks a lot.
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abi says:
very very easy baby words my 7 year old step kid can say most of this stuff-tucker
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Hazel says:
Thanks! for this..
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FK says:
This is a great list for my Adult ESOL conversation classes. I am sharing the links with my students. thank you!
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brenda says:
these are so easy i would like to try something hard but overall i would rate this a 6.2 out of ten trust me other sites have baby words like the, them ,we when it says for 12-24 but this is the best one yet
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Ivan says:
Hi, I’m a 14 years old student, from Malaysia. I found this very helpful to help me to improve my English pronunciation because as Asian we spoke it in a different sounds and ways. These words helps a lot and some were a piece of cake for me. I really do appreciate this and please do more. 31.8.2021
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Nitesh bhankhri says:
Nice but too easy🤨🤨🤨🤨
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Vaniimuthu says:
Circumspect – she is very circumspect to the next level in her daily lifestyle changes
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Fadi Safar says:
You are reading the phrases too fast for ESL learners. My students do not have time to read with you!!!
Sincerely, F. Safar an Eng. instructor for adults students. -
SANTHOSHBABU M S says:
These words are too easy. Give me some more difficult words to practice.
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MOHAMED says:
YES I CAN LEARN
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Rovhidzwa says:
Hollow was just a new reader and u wed side helped me to find word that was not easy for me to read them.. Thank so much… I really appreciate the words. Thank you.
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qw says:
very simple
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ruzzy says:
Thanks so much for these great phrases. Please i would like to see words such as, AMBITIOUS, DETERIORATE, DELUSIONAL, INFERIORITY, TREMENDOUS, MEDIOCRITY AND DETRIMENTAL. Thanks
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ADAM says:
it is reall useful i thank you !!!
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Mohd Shuab says:
secretary
uncertainty
individuality -
Purnima Ghimire says:
Those words are too easy. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🙄🙄🤣🤣🤣🤣
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Janice Stephen says:
I would really appreciate if could send what I have subscribed. Many people will learn a lot from this website.
Thanks -
Bill says:
Specifically, comfortable, extraordinary
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Jesus says:
My friend Ellie Whalen was able to complete this challenge she’s a genius honestly.
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Leishangthemaburenba says:
list of difficult words along with its pronunciation will be very ideal and practical. Not wit footnotes and explainations please.
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Abdulwadood says:
Thanks I see some English word that’s so good for every who give the apt is exam .i appreciate that’s one
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Geoff says:
You’d have to be a simpleton now there’s a good word
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grean says:
well,the words were quite easy to pronounce as marial said .words should arise like defy,miscellaneous
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Mariel Alexie Carmelotes says:
Hi!I was just a new reader of your website ma’am/sir.I appreciate the “50 difficult words to Pronounce” but I took it easy.I let it read unto my friends,and they say it was the hard to read for them.I really appreciate the words.I hope many children would read your website for them,to learn and help their vocubulary.Thank you.