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Education

NRTC English: ‘Suite’ is pronounced just like ‘sweet’ and other uncommon homophones

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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In English, many words sound the same but have different meanings. These words are called homophones. One example is “suite,” which sounds just like “sweet.”

“Suite” usually means a set of rooms in a hotel or a group of related things. For example, a hotel suite might have a bedroom, a living room, and a bathroom. On the other hand, “sweet” means something that tastes sugary or pleasant.

More words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spellings

Flour and flower?

Another example of homophones that often confounds learners is “flour” and “flower.” Both words sound identical when spoken, but they represent vastly different things. “Flour” is a powdery substance used in baking, while “flower” refers to the colorful reproductive part of a plant.

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Similarly, “knead” and “need” are homophones

Similarly, it will interest you that “knead” and “need” have the same pronunciation /niːd/. “Knead” means to work the dough with your hands, while “need” signifies a requirement or necessity.

‘Suite’ is pronounced just like ‘sweet’ and other uncommon homophones

“Ball” and “bawl”

If you can pronounce “ball”, then know that “bawl” is pronounced the same way. “Bawl” means to cry loudly, while “ball” refers to a spherical object used in various games or sports.

“Guessed” and “guest”

The reason “guessed” and “guest” sound alike is due to the way certain letters are pronounced in English. When the letters “ed” follow a sibilant “s” or “ss” (making or characterized by a hissing sound), it results in “ssed” being pronounced as “st”.

Other examples of uncommon homophones

  1. Cereal and Serial /ˈsɪərɪəl/:
    “Cereal” refers to a breakfast food made from grains, while “serial” describes something that occurs in a series or sequence, often used to refer to a story or TV show.
  2. Soar and Sore /sɔː//:
    “Soar” means to fly high in the air, often with little effort, while “sore” describes a feeling of pain or discomfort, typically in a specific part of the body.
  3. Sew and Sow /səʊ/: “Sew” means to stitch fabric together with a needle and thread, while “sow” refers to planting seeds in the ground.
  4. Pique and Peak /piːk/: “Pique” means to arouse curiosity or resentment, while “peak” refers to the highest point of a mountain or a maximum value.
  5. Bare and Bear /beər/: “Bare” means naked or uncovered, while “bear” refers to the large mammal found in forests.
  6. Bough and Bow /baʊ/: A “bough” is a branch of a tree, while “bow” can mean to bend forward as a gesture of respect or a decorative knot tied with ribbon.
  7. Flew and Flu /fluː/: “Flew” is the past tense of “fly,” meaning to move through the air, while “flu” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
  8. Principle and Principal: “Principle” signifies a fundamental truth or belief that guides behavior or decision-making, while “principal” can mean the main or most important person or thing, or the head of a school.
  9. Wreak and reek /riːk/: “Wreak” means to cause something to happen, especially something harmful or damaging, while “reek” refers to a strong, unpleasant smell.
  10. Hoarse and Horse /hɔːs/: “Hoarse” describes a rough or husky voice, often due to illness or strain, while “horse” is a large, four-legged animal used for riding, racing, or pulling loads.

These examples showcase the intricacies of homophones in English, where words that sound alike can have distinct meanings and applications in different contexts.

Education

NRTC English: Your hair is unkempt, not unkept

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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Learning English can be fun and exciting, but sometimes it can also be tricky, especially when it comes to words that sound similar but have different meanings.

One example is “unkempt” and “unkept.” Let’s look at these words and a few other words that behave similarly in English.

“Unkempt” and “Unkept”

Imagine you wake up in the morning, and your hair is all messy and tangled. You might say, “My hair is unkempt.” Here, “unkempt” means messy or not neatly arranged, especially regarding hair or appearance.

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries defines unkempt as (especially of somebody’s hair or general appearance) not well cared for; not neat or tidy.

But what about “unkept”? Well, “unkept” is a different word. It means something that hasn’t been maintained or looked after properly. For instance, if a garden is overgrown because no one has taken care of it, you could say, “The garden is unkept.”

So, remember: “Your hair is unkempt” if it’s messy, but “Your promises are unkept” if you haven’t fulfilled them.

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NRTC English: Your hair is unkempt, not unkept

More words like “unkempt” and “unkept”

English is full of words that might seem similar but have distinct meanings. Here are a few more examples:

  • Their, They’re, There: “Their” shows possession, like “their house.” “They’re” is short for “they are,” and “there” refers to a place, like “over there.”
  • Accept, Except: “Accept” means to agree or receive something, while “except” means excluding something or making an exception.
  • Affect, Effect: “Affect” is usually a verb, meaning to influence or change something, like “The rain affected the game.” “Effect” is usually a noun, meaning the result or outcome, like “The medicine had a positive effect.”
  • Lose, Loose: “Lose” is a verb, meaning to misplace or fail to keep something, like “Don’t lose your keys.” “Loose” is an adjective, meaning not tight or relaxed, like “These pants are too loose.”

The best way to remember these differences is through practice. Try using these words in sentences, and pay attention to how they’re used in books, movies, or conversations. You can also make flashcards or quizzes to test yourself.

Education

NRTC English: ‘Am fine’, ‘it okay’, ‘u welcome’ and where Nigerians got it wrong with abbreviations

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

In Nigeria, like in many parts of the world, people love to shorten words and phrases. Sometimes, it’s like our own special language.

From texts to chats, we’re always looking for quicker ways to communicate. This rush has led to the rise of abbreviations, where we cut down words to their bare minimum. But sometimes, in our haste, we might stray off course, and that’s what has happened with phrases like “am fine,” “it okay,” and “u welcome” in Nigeria.

Why do we use abbreviations anyway?

Abbreviations are like shortcuts in language. They help us say more with less. It’s like fitting a whole sentence into just a few letters.

Abbreviations are handy because they save time and effort. In a fast-paced world where we’re constantly messaging and chatting, it’s natural to want to type quickly. Besides, using abbreviations can make us feel like we’re part of a community – like we have our own special language.

But it’s essential to remember that not all abbreviations are created equal. Some, like “lol” or “brb,” are widely accepted and understood. Others, like “am fine” or “u welcome,” might cause confusion or make us sound less educated than we really are.

Where things went wrong

While abbreviations are all well and good, sometimes they can veer off course. In Nigeria, abbreviations like “am fine,” “it okay,” and “u welcome” have become so common that they’ve started to replace the proper grammar.

For instance, when we say “am fine,” we’re trying to say “I am fine.” But the problem here is the word “am.” In proper English, it should be “I’m fine” because “I’m” is the contraction of “I am.” So, when we use “am” alone, it’s not grammatically correct. It’s like saying half of the sentence and leaving the other half out.

Imagine if we did this in other situations. Instead of saying “I’m going to the store,” we just said “going to the store.” It sounds strange, right? That’s exactly what’s happening with “am fine.” It’s like we’re missing a crucial part of the sentence.

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NRTC English: ‘Am fine’, “it okay,” “u welcome” and where Nigerians got it wrong with abbreviations

Similarly, “it okay” is another phrase that seems to be missing something. While it’s clear what the phrase means in context, it’s not technically correct English. In proper English, it should be “It’s okay.” The word “it’s” is short for “it is.” So, when we leave out the “‘s,” it sounds incomplete.

Think about it like this – when someone asks, “Is it raining?” we don’t just say “raining.” We say “It’s raining.” That little “‘s” makes a big difference in making the sentence complete.

And then there’s “u welcome.” While it’s fine for casual conversations, using “u” instead of “you” in more formal settings can come across as unprofessional. In professional emails or essays, it’s best to stick to the full words to maintain a level of professionalism.

Finding a balance

While abbreviations can be convenient, it’s essential to strike a balance. Using them in casual conversations or texts with friends is perfectly fine. However, when it comes to more formal situations, it’s crucial to revert to proper grammar.

Moreover, for those learning English, it’s essential to understand the difference between casual abbreviations and proper grammar. While abbreviations might be common in everyday speech, they might not always be appropriate in formal or academic settings.

Conclusion

Abbreviations like “am fine,” “it okay,” and “u welcome” have become ingrained in Nigerian English, offering a quick and easy way to communicate. However, it’s essential to remember that while these shortcuts might be convenient, they’re not always correct.

Striking a balance between casual conversation and proper grammar is key to effective communication. So, the next time you’re tempted to shorten a phrase, remember to consider the context and the audience.

Education

NRTC English: Here are 5 practical tips to improve your pronunciation

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In this article, I have written 5 practical tips for pronunciation improvement for learners of English who desire to speak like a native speaker of the language.

English pronunciation can be a tricky challenge for learners, with subtle differences leading to a lot of misunderstandings or mispronunciations.

In this article, I have written 5 practical tips for pronunciation improvement for learners of English who desire to speak like a native speaker of the language.

1. Listen and repeat

Engage with native speakers, watch English content, and mimic the pronunciation.

2. Use online resources

Utilize pronunciation tools and apps available online to refine your skills.

If you desire to improve your English pronunciation, I have written many articles on commonly mispronounced English words and stress in a relatable way.

3. Phonetic practice

Familiarize yourself with phonetic symbols to understand the correct pronunciation.

4. Word stress

Pay attention to stressed syllables in words, as English often relies on stressed and unstressed syllables for clarity.

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5. Mirror, mirror

Stand in front of a mirror while practicing pronunciation. Observe your mouth movements, lip shapes, and tongue positions as you articulate each sound. This visual feedback can enhance your awareness of correct pronunciation.

Remember, consistency is key when refining your pronunciation skills.

By incorporating these tips into your language learning routine, you’ll find yourself making steady progress in mastering the intricacies of English pronunciation.

Education

NRTC English: ‘Archive’ is not pronounced as ‘achieve’

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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Archive, a place where records or historical documents are stored, is correctly pronounced or vocalised as ahr-kahyv, not as achieve (uh-cheev).

‘Archive’ is phonetically written as /ˈɑː.kaɪv/, pronounced or vocalised as ahr-kahyv. This is how to pronounce ‘archive’, which is different from the way you pronounce ‘achieve’ /əˈtʃiːv/.

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NRTC English: ‘Archive’ is not pronounced as ‘achieve’

According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, ‘ archive’ is a place in which public records or historical materials (such as documents) are preserved.

Example: The museum houses an extensive archive of ancient manuscripts.

‘Archive’ can also function as a verb as to place or store (something) in an archive.

Examples:

  • He has been told to archive the documents;
  • He archived some tissue samples.
Education

NRTC English: ‘Corps’ is pronounced just like ‘core’, not as ‘corpse’

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Estimated reading time: 1 minute

One of the words commonly abused by corps members (not corp members) of the National Youth Service Corps in Nigeria is ‘corps’.

Corps /kɔːʳ/ is pronounced exactly the same way you pronounce ‘core’ /kɔːʳ/.

‘Corps’, which means body, originates from French, and the ‘ps’ is silent because the final consonant, or consonants in this case, in French is always silent.

This means that ‘corps’ is NOT pronounced as ‘corpse’, nor as ‘corp’.

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NRTC English: ‘corps’ is pronounced just like ‘core’, not as ‘corpse’

Corp members or corps members?

Furthermore, the correct forms are written as ‘corps member’ (singular) and ‘corps members’ (plural). This means that ‘corps’ remains ‘corps’ whether the ‘member’ is singular or plural.

Education, Featured

NRTC English: Other similar, standard expressions to ‘no gree for anybody’

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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The phrase “No Gree For Anybody” typically encourages individuals to reject any form of nonsense, resist being bullied by others or stand their ground.

Since we are still in the season of No Gree For Anybody in Nigeria this year, I have curated alternative, standard phrases in English that convey similar sentiments.

These phrases allow you to express your stance since you cannot use No Gree For Anybody in all situations, especially in formal situations.

You can decide not to give your consent for anyone. This phrase emphasizes the refusal to give consent or agreement, making it suitable for situations where you firmly disagree.

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Another expression is refuse to concur. Concur’ denotes agreement, and by refusing to concur, you assert your disagreement assertively.

NRTC English: Other similar, standard expressions to ‘no gree to anybody’

You can also stand against consensus. This phrase signifies standing firm even when the majority holds a different view, emphasizing individual conviction.

If you have a dissenting stand, you maintain a firm, non-conforming position. Dissenting’ carries the notion of disagreement, and when paired with ‘stand,’ it asserts a firm, non-conforming position.

Lastly, when you do not Gree For Anybody, you are holding your ground. This phrase is used to express your determination to maintain your position on an issue.

Education

NRTC English: The consonant /s/ and its ability to become /z/ in another environment

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The consonant /s/, vocalized siii, is your third or fourth name, and that of every Nigerian. When someone calls you, not by your name, but rather by vocalizing siii, you’re going to turn back or at least assume the person is calling you.

That’s because it’s a name you subconsciously bear and carry all around, wherever you go—a name your parents didn’t give you but the society chose for you.

The consonant /s/ is produced with no vibration in the vocal chords. For men, touch your Adam’s apple, and vocalize siiii to see if there is going to be a vibration. No vibration, right? Yes, great! For women, you can touch your Eve’s Orange to feel the absence of vibration.

For consonant /s/ to become /z/ in another environment, it must be preceded by voiced sounds. However, when /s/ is preceded by a voiceless consonant, it remains /s/.

The presence of vibration in the vocal chords is what makes a phoneme voiced and the absence of vibration is what makes it voiceless.

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NRTC English

For example:

  • bags /baɡz/ because /g/ is a voiced consonant.
  • reasons /ˈriːz(ə)nz/ because /n/ is a voiced consonant.
  • roads /rəʊdz/ because /d/ is a voiced consonant.
  • brothers /ˈbrʌðərz/ because /r/ is a voiced consonant.
  • games /ɡeɪmz/ because /m/ is a voiced consonant.
  • kings /kɪŋz/ because /ŋ/ is a voiced consonant.
  • cars /kɑːz/ because /ɑː/ is a voiced vowel.
  • pieces /pi:siz/ because /i/ is a voiced vowel.

You’ll discover that it’s then important to know the sounds that are voiced and those that are voiceless to determine whether /s/ will become /z/ or not.

I have ensured I outline the sounds that are voiced below and others that are voiceless.


By default, all vowels are voiced. All nasals /m/, /n/, /ŋ/ are all voiced. /b/, /g/, /d/ are all voiced while /p/, /k/, and /t/ are voiceless. All approximants /l/, /w/, /j/ and /r/ are voiced. /ð/, /v/, and /dʒ/ are voiced and /θ/, /f/, and /tʃ/ are voiceless.

To know whether a sound is voiced or not, simply touch your Adam’s apple or Eve’s Orange to feel whether there is a vibration or not.

That’s also why words like tutors, doctors, sandals, buttons, etc, have the consonant /s/ became /z/ in that environment where the syllabic consonants /l/, /m/, and /r/ are found.

However, there are some exceptions, though: basic, assume, consume, loose, listen, increase, muscle, and absent.

For correctness, basic, and all the words above, are pronounced without the consonant /z/. Basic is pronounced /ˈbeɪsɪk/; assume as /əˈsjuːm/; consume as /kənˈsjuːm/; loose as /luːs/ (but lose as /luːz/); listen as /ˈlɪs(ə)n/; increase as /ɪnˈkriːs/; muscle as /ˈmʌs(ə)l/; and absent as /abs(ə)nt/.

Education

NRTC English: syllabic consonants /m/, /l/, and /n/

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A syllabic consonant or vocalic consonant is a consonant that forms a syllable on its own, like the m, n, and l in the English words rhythm, button, and bottle respectively.


Ideally, a syllable should contain a vowel. Therefore, A syllable with no vowel will invariably have a syllabic consonant.

This means that syllabic consonants do not necessarily need a vowel to exist. Simply put, A syllabic consonant is a consonant that replaces a vowel in a syllable.

There is always an optional schwa /ə/ in that syllable. Let’s consider some words with syllabic consonant /l/.

  • metal /ˈmɛt(ə)l/, terrible /ˈtɛrɪb(ə)l/, wonderful /wʌndəf(ə)/, channel /’tʃan(ə)l/, panel /ˈpan(ə)l/, sandal /ˈsand(ə)l/ etc

It is interesting to note that the essence of studying syllabic consonants is to prescribe some rules guiding the correct pronunciation of these words that have syllabic consonants.

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For example, in the examples above, you will realize that the endings -ble, -tal, -ful, -nel, and -dal are syllabic consonants that are not pronounced as an ordinary Nigerian would.

  • fatal /ˈfeɪt(ə)l/, castle /ˈkɑːs(ə)l/, playful /pleɪf(ə)l/, social /ˈsəʊʃ(ə)l/ etc.

Other words are model, total, bottle, local, little, people, couple, hospital, title, struggle, etc.

Let’s consider some words with syllabic consonant /n/

  • sudden, spoken, listen, reason, garden, certain, fasten, button, person, written
  • For the syllabic consonant /n/, we have endings like -ken, -den, -ten, -ton, and -tain.

Other words are ‘threaten’, heaven, kitten, student, even, seven, election, Britain, etc

Let’s consider some words with syllabic consonant /m/

  • feudalism /ˈfju:dəˌlɪz(ə)m/, heroism /ˈhɛrəʊɪz(ə)m/, Journalism /ˈdʒəːn(ə)lɪz(ə)m/, from /frɒm, frəm/, etc.

It is important to note here that any syllable that carries a schwa sound cannot be stressed. Schwa /ə/ is never stressed, yet it’s almost everywhere. It’s just a great guy! No stress!

Let me round up round off this article by writing that the study of syllabic consonants is essential for us not to pronounce BU in terrible, KUN in spoken, TAL in fatal, NEL in channel, panel or colonel /ˈkəːn(ə)l/, TU in kettle or bottle, DEL in model and DENT in student. I hope you get what I’m driving at here.

Education

NRTC English: ‘Pizza’ is pronounced as ‘PEE-t-suh’, ‘marijuana’ as ‘mair-uh-WAH-nuh’

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The word ‘pizza’ /ˈpiːtsə/ is pronounced as “PEE-t-suh,” emphasizing the long “ee” sound and ending with a soft “uh.”

Another word marijuana, commonly associated with cannabis, is pronounced as “mair-uh-WAH-nuh,” with stress on the second syllable.

However, it’s important to note that pronunciation can vary in different English-speaking regions.

Let’s take a step further to look at Greenwich /’ɡrɪnɪdʒ/, often associated with the Royal Observatory and as the starting point of the Prime Meridian.

It is pronounced “GRIN-ij.” The “w” is silent, and the emphasis falls on the first syllable.

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NRTC English

A staple of lunch menus worldwide is called sandwich. “Sandwich” is pronounced “SAND-wich,” stressing the first syllable and pronouncing the “w” sound subtly.

‘Sandwich’ is popularly pronounced without the /d/ sound. However, it is still correct to pronounce it as /’san(d)wɪtʃ,ˈsan(d)wɪdʒ/.

“Croissant” is a word of French origin that has made its way into English. Its pronunciation can be a bit tricky for English speakers due to its French roots. In English, it’s commonly pronounced as “kruh-SAHNT” or “kwah-SAHNT.”

The correct French pronunciation is closer to “kwah-SAHN” with a silent “t” at the end, but in English, the pronunciation often retains the final “t” sound, though it’s soft and subtle.

Another word is bologna /bəˈloʊni/ This type of Italian sausage is pronounced as “buh-LOH-nee,” diverging significantly from its spelling.

Lastly, when referring to scattered fragments or wreckage, debris /ˈdɛbriː/ is pronounced as “DEB-ree,” not “day-brees” as the spelling might suggest.

These words ‘pizza’, ‘bologna’, ‘marijuana’, ‘Greenwich’ etc exemplify how English pronunciation might not always align with its spelling.

The reasons behind these discrepancies often lie in the language’s historical development, borrowing from various languages or undergoing shifts in pronunciation over time.