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Tracy
why is the letter 'a' sometimes pronounced /ei/, why not /ə /
because a recession is really a sequence of events
Sep 24, 2010 1:44 PM
Answers · 6
4
Tracy,
The article "a" has two pronunciations, a weak form "a" and a strong form (ei).
The strong form of the article "a" pronouced (ei) is not used often.
When used, it is used emphatically--
1) to show contrast
It is a (ei) solution, but not the only solution.
2) when stressing the indefiniteness of something.
Question.....I lost my wallet. Have you seen it?
Answer....... I saw a (ei) wallet, but I don't know if it was yours. The strong form emphasizes the indefiniteness of the article "a".
3) to stress singularity--
I have a (ei) cat and a (ei) dog. I have one cat and one dog.
4) to name a word--
This animal is referred to as a (ei) platypus.
There are no strict rules for the use of the strong article a (ei). It's use is a conscious decision. Some people consider it's use incorrect or an affectation.
September 24, 2010
1
You need to study weak and strong forms. In this sentence, both uses of "a" should be weak and therefore pronounced /ə/ (and not /ei/).
September 24, 2010
1
the letter a has 4 different pronunciation
long a like car
short a like cat
schwa like about and among
/ei/ like able and face
September 24, 2010
Do you takl about single letter "A"? It's an alphabet A from ABC. if you read it slowly it can be "ei". "ə" is sounds more like "U", but it's also Ok in some way, I think it just an custum.
September 24, 2010
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Tracy
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
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