"His" is a common English pronoun used to indicate possession or ownership of someone or something. However, many non-native English speakers may struggle with its correct pronunciation. In this article, we will explore the correct way to read "his" and some common mistakes to avoid.
The correct way to pronounce "his" is /h?z/. It is a one-syllable word that rhymes with "quiz" or "fizz". To hear the correct pronunciation, you can use online resources like Forvo, which provide audio recordings of words spoken by native English speakers. You can listen to the word "his" being pronounced in different accents and dialects to familiarize yourself with its correct pronunciation.
Non-native English speakers may encounter some difficulties in pronouncing "his" correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when pronouncing "his":
Pronouncing it as /h?s/: This is the most common mistake made by non-native English speakers. They tend to drop the "z" sound at the end of "his" and pronounce it as "hih". To avoid this mistake, listen to the correct pronunciation multiple times and practice saying it out loud.
Pronouncing it as /h?z/: Some non-native English speakers may also make the mistake of pronouncing "his" as "huh". This is because they confuse the pronouns "his" and "he's". "He's" is a contraction of "he is" and is pronounced as /hi?z/. To avoid this mistake, remember that "his" is a possessive pronoun, while "he's" is a contraction.
To improve your pronunciation of "his", here are some practice exercises you can do:
Listen to audio recordings of native English speakers pronouncing "his" and repeat after them.
Create sentences using "his" and read them out loud to check your pronunciation.
Practice tongue twisters that include the word "his", such as "How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood with his chuck?"
Pronouncing "his" correctly is important for effective communication in English. By following the tips and exercises in this article, non-native English speakers can improve their pronunciation and avoid common mistakes. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback from native speakers to further improve your pronunciation skills.
