Correct These 20 Mispronounced English Words Instantly! 🎯

Intermediate Level | November 9, 2025

혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

Many English learners speak fluently but still mispronounce some of the most common words. Even professionals who use English every day make small pronunciation mistakes that can distract listeners or affect clarity. The good news? You can fix most of them instantly once you know the correct sounds.

Let’s go over 20 commonly mispronounced English words and learn how to say them naturally. These are the kinds of words you use in daily business and conversation—so getting them right will make your English sound smoother and more confident.

Why Mispronounced English Words Matter

Clear pronunciation helps others understand you easily and gives you confidence when speaking. Imagine you’re in a meeting and need to say a technical word like “schedule” or “comfortable.” If you pronounce it correctly, your message flows naturally. But if you stumble, your listener might focus on the mistake instead of your message. Mastering pronunciation means people will focus on what you say, not how you say it.

20 Mispronounced English Words You Should Fix Today

Here’s a list of 20 mispronounced English words many professionals struggle with — and how to fix them right now:

Everyday Business Words (1–5)

Schedule – /ˈskedʒ.uːl/ (US) or /ˈʃed.juːl/ (UK). Simplified: SKED-jool (US) or SHED-yool (UK).
Example: Let’s schedule the meeting for Monday morning.
Comfortable – /ˈkʌmft.ə.bəl/ → KUMF-tuh-bul, not com-for-ta-ble.
Example: These new office chairs are much more comfortable.
February – /ˈfeb.ruː.er.i/ → Feb-yu-air-ee.
Example: The conference will take place in February.
Wednesday – /ˈwenz.deɪ/ → Wens-day.
Example: We have our team meeting every Wednesday.
Develop – /dɪˈvel.əp/ → stress the second syllable.
Example: Our company plans to develop new software this year.

Professional Communication Words (6–10)

Focus – /ˈfoʊ.kəs/ → FOH-kus.
Example: Please focus on the key points of your presentation.
Entrepreneur – /ˌɒn.trə.prəˈnɜːr/ → on-truh-pruh-NUR.
Example: She’s a young entrepreneur running her own tech startup.
Vegetable – /ˈvedʒ.tə.bəl/ → VEJ-tuh-bul.
Example: Eat more vegetable dishes to stay healthy.
Pronunciation – /prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/ → pro-NUN-ciation.
Example: His pronunciation has improved a lot since last year.
Technology – /tekˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/ → tek-NOL-uh-jee.
Example: Modern technology allows us to work from anywhere.

Common Workplace Vocabulary (11–15)

Environment – /ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt/ → in-VAI-run-ment.
Example: We need to protect the environment for future generations.
Data – /ˈdeɪ.tə/ or /ˈdɑː.tə/ → DAY-tuh or DAH-tuh.
Example: Please analyze the data before the next meeting.
Clothes – /kloʊðz/ → soft th, not clo-ses.
Example: She bought new clothes for the trip.
Coupon – /ˈkuː.pɒn/ or /ˈkjuː.pɒn/ → KOO-pon or CYOO-pon.
Example: I used a coupon to get a discount on the product.
Career – /kəˈrɪər/ → kuh-REER.
Example: He built a successful career in finance.

Tricky and Unusual Words (16–20)

Colonel – /ˈkɜːr.nəl/ → sounds like kernel.
Example: The colonel gave clear instructions to his team.
Receipt – /rɪˈsiːt/ → ri-SEET (silent “p”).
Example: Don’t forget to keep your receipt for reimbursement.
Comfortably – /ˈkʌmft.ə.bli/ → KUMF-tuh-blee.
Example: She sat comfortably during the long flight.
Etcetera – /etˈset.ər.ə/ → et-SET-uh-ruh.
Example: We’ll discuss goals, deadlines, budgets, etcetera.
Salmon – /ˈsæm.ən/ → SAM-un.
Example: I ordered grilled salmon for lunch.*

Quick Practice Tip for Mispronounced English Words

Repeat these mispronounced English words aloud three times each day for the next week. Record yourself once on Day 1 and again on Day 7. You’ll notice how much clearer and more confident you sound. The key is consistency—just a few minutes a day makes a big difference.

Vocabulary List

Mispronounce (verb) — To say a word incorrectly.
Example: Many people mispronounce the word “vegetable.”
Clarity (noun) — The quality of being clear or easy to understand.
Example: Clear pronunciation improves clarity in communication.
Stumble (verb) — To make a mistake while speaking.
Example: She stumbled over a few words during her presentation.
Consistent (adjective) — Always the same, not changing.
Example: Choose one pronunciation and stay consistent.
Accent (noun) — A way of pronouncing words that shows where someone is from.
Example: She speaks with a soft British accent.
Stress (noun) — The emphasis placed on a syllable or word.
Example: In “develop,” the stress is on the second syllable.
Confident (adjective) — Feeling sure about yourself.
Example: He sounds confident when speaking English now.
Correctly (adverb) — In a way that is right or true.
Example: She pronounced the company name correctly.
Listener (noun) — A person who hears and pays attention.
Example: Good pronunciation keeps the listener focused on your ideas.
Professional (noun/adjective) — A person who works in a skilled job; relating to work.
Example: Professionals need clear English for meetings and presentations.

5 Questions About the Article

Why are mispronounced English words important for professionals to correct?
Which two pronunciations of “schedule” are correct?
What does the word “consistent” mean in this article?
How can recording yourself help improve pronunciation?
What happens when your pronunciation is unclear?

5 Open-Ended Discussion Questions

Which English words do you personally find hard to pronounce?
Do you prefer American or British pronunciation? Why?
How do you usually practice pronunciation?
Why do you think people often avoid correcting pronunciation mistakes?
How can improving pronunciation change the way others see you at work?

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