What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accent
Example
Her French accent was very strong and made it difficult to understand her. [accent: noun]
Example
He spoke English with a heavy Spanish accent. [accent: noun]
Example
She accented the first syllable of the word 'banana'. [accented: verb]
pronunciation
Example
I'm still working on my pronunciation of the word 'thorough'. [pronunciation: noun]
Example
He has excellent pronunciation in both English and Spanish. [pronunciation: noun]
Example
She practiced pronouncing the word 'rural' until she got it right. [pronouncing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pronunciation is a more common term than accent in language learning and teaching contexts, as it is a key aspect of effective communication. However, accent is still an important concept for understanding and appreciating linguistic diversity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accent and pronunciation?
Both accent and pronunciation can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pronunciation may be considered more formal due to its association with language learning and teaching.
