How to pronounce "flaw"

flaw

Noun
American
/flɔː/

Syllable Breakdown

flaw

How natives say flaw

British
/flɔː/

Syllable Breakdown

flaw

How natives say flaw

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'fl' sound by combining 'f' and 'l'.

  • Open your mouth slightly to form an 'ɔː' sound like in 'saw'.

  • End the word smoothly, holding the 'aw' sound longer.

Common Mistakes

  • fl-oh (fl-aw)

  • fl-u (fl-aw)

  • fl-o (fl-aw)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'fl' sound by lightly pressing your lower lip to your teeth.

  • Open your mouth to form a round 'ɔː' like in 'more'.

  • Sustain the 'aw' sound evenly without breaking it.

common mistakes

  • fl-oh (fl-aw)

  • fl-u (fl-aw)

  • fl-o (fl-aw)

FAQ

Why is the 'w' silent?

The 'w' helps create the 'aw' sound but isn't pronounced as a separate 'w'.

Is 'flaw' one or two syllables?

'Flaw' is one syllable.

Why is the 'aw' long?

The 'ɔː' is a long vowel sound in both American and British English.

Definition

flaw

A defect or weakness.

Word Family

flawed

/flɔːd/

adjective

Having flaws.

Example: The argument is flawed.

flawless

/ˈflɔːləs/

adjective

Without flaws.

Example: The performance was flawless.

flawlessly

/ˈflɔːləsli/

adverb

In a flawless manner.

Example: She danced flawlessly.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Flawed ends with 'd' sound, different from 'flaw'.

Flawless starts with 'flaw' but ends with 'ləs'.

Flawlessly has additional 'li' sound after 'flawless'.

Pro Tips

Mind the tongue position

Keep your tongue low and back for the 'aw' sound.

Practice with similar words

Use words like 'claw' and 'draw' to practice the 'aw' sound.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Flaw

ability

/əˈbɪləti/

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəri/

adapt

/əˈdæpt/

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

advance

/ədˈvæns/

also

/ˈɔl.soʊ/

alter

/ˈɔltər/

apparatus

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

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