As a non-native speaker, it can be challenging to pronounce certain words in English. One of those words is the simple two-letter word "on." But fear not, with a little practice and guidance, you can master the pronunciation of "on" in no time.
The first pronunciation is the most common and is pronounced like "ahn." This pronunciation is used in words like "gone," "long," and "song." Let's look at some examples:
"I've been gone for two days."
"How long have you been waiting?"
"Can you sing me a song?"
Notice how the "o" sound in each of these words is pronounced like "ah."
The second pronunciation of "on" is less common and is pronounced like "awn." This pronunciation is used in words like "don," "con," and "John." Let's look at some examples:
"Don't forget your keys."
"I'm going to con you out of your money."
"What's the name of your friend, John?"
Notice how the "o" sound in each of these words is pronounced like "aw."
Accents can make the pronunciation of "on" vary slightly. For example, in some British accents, the "o" sound in "on" is pronounced more like "aw," even in the most common pronunciation. Meanwhile, some American accents might pronounce "on" slightly differently than the typical "ahn" or "awn" sound.
The key is to listen to native English speakers and practice imitating their pronunciation. You can listen to English songs, watch English movies and TV shows, or practice with a language exchange partner. Over time, you'll start to develop a more natural-sounding pronunciation of "on."
Pronouncing "on" correctly isn't difficult, but it requires practice and listening. Remember the two main pronunciations – "ahn" and "awn" – and pay attention to how different accents might affect the pronunciation. With time and practice, you'll be able to master this simple but essential word in English.
