How to pronounce "clue"

clue

Noun
American
/kluː/

Syllable Breakdown

clue

How natives say clue

British
/kluː/

Syllable Breakdown

clue

How natives say clue

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'k' sound, as in 'cat'.

  • Combine it immediately with 'l', using the tip of your tongue.

  • Finish with the 'oo' sound, rounding your lips.

Common Mistakes

  • klew (klew)

  • cloo (cloo)

  • clu (clu)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Same as American

common mistakes

  • Same as American

FAQ

Is the 'e' silent?

Yes, the 'e' is silent.

How to pronounce 'cl'?

Put 'c' and 'l' together without a pause.

Which part is stressed?

The whole word is one syllable, so stress the entire word.

Definition

clue

A hint or piece of information that helps solve a problem or mystery.

Word Family

clueless

/ˈkluːləs/

adjective

Without a clue

Example: He was clueless about the answer.

clued

/kluːd/

verb

Provided with a clue

Example: The teacher clued the students.

inclue

/ɪnˈkluː/

verb

To provide with a clue

Example: They inclued the direction.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Clueless has two syllables.

Clued ends with a 'd' sound.

Inclue starts with an 'in' sound.

Pro Tips

Lip Rounding Tip

Round your lips to form the 'oo' sound.

Smooth Combination

Practice combining 'k' and 'l' without a break.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Clue

adjoin

/əˈdʒɔɪn/

apartment

/əˈpɑrt.mənt/

applicable

/ˈæplɪkəbl̩/

arise

/əˈraɪz/

avenue

/ˈæv.ə.nuː/

backstage

/bækˈsteɪdʒ/

bench

/bɛntʃ/

beside

/bɪˈsaɪd/